New York City’s transit system started charging motorists on Jan. 5 a fee to drive into crowded midtown Manhattan. The aim of this congestion pricing initiative, the first in the US, is to reduce traffic and pollution while raising money for the city’s subways,

Gov. Kathy Hochul insisted that the cameras crucial to the toll structure will remain in operation. "The cameras are staying on," she said.

The transportation secretary said he would revoke federal approval for the program, citing the cost to motorists; the Metropolitan Transportation Authority quickly filed a lawsuit to stop the move.