Congress blocks cities from charging rush-hour tolls to fund transit
H.R. 351 — To amend the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to prohibit congestion or cordon pricing in a value pricing program, and for other purposes. · Filed by Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) · 2 cosponsors · Introduced Jan 13, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill amends federal transportation law to prohibit the U.S. Department of Transportation from establishing or maintaining any 'value pricing program' that includes congestion pricing or cordon pricing—fees charged to drivers during peak traffic hours or to enter certain zones. The bill blocks a federal tool that allows states and cities to manage traffic and fund transit by charging variable tolls, benefiting drivers who want to avoid such fees but potentially harming cities seeking to reduce congestion and fund public transportation.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core function is to block a specific transportation-pricing mechanism (congestion/cordon pricing) within federal value pricing programs. It is a straightforward prohibition, not a subsidy or carve-out, but it restricts a policy tool that serves public-interest goals.
What the text implies
- Blocks federal authorization for congestion pricing even if a state or city votes to adopt it, centralizing transportation policy in Congress rather than allowing local/regional choice.
- Eliminates a revenue source for transit and road maintenance that does not require raising general taxes, potentially forcing reliance on property taxes or other funding mechanisms.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
drivers avoiding tolls; automotive industry (increased vehicle miles traveled)