The U.S. Department of Transportation has joined a federal lawsuit brought by a Lakewood resident challenging New York City’s congestion-pricing program, siding with the plaintiffs in arguing that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority lacks legal authority to impose the tolls, TLS has learned.

The department filed a brief in the case, which was brought by Lakewood resident Denise Dunne, and two others, Tamara Lashchyk and Richard Manjarres. The plaintiffs are seeking to invalidate the controversial congestion-pricing program and recover tolls collected from motorists.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, names the MTA and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority as defendants, and are seeking an end to the program which started on January 5, 2025. The plaintiffs are also seeking for the agencies to refund the tolls they contend were illegally collected.

At issue is the federal Value Pricing Pilot Program, which the plaintiffs contend does not provide the MTA with authority to impose congestion tolls on drivers entering Manhattan.

The case could have significant implications for New Jersey motorists, who make up a substantial portion of drivers traveling into Manhattan and are subject to the congestion charge.

The MTA and TBTA have opposed the lawsuit and have asked the court to dismiss the claims, arguing the program was lawfully established and that the plaintiffs’ legal arguments should be rejected.

The federal government’s decision to support the plaintiffs marks a significant development in the case. The Transportation Department previously approved the congestion-pricing plan under the Biden administration, but the Trump administration has since sought to end the program.

New York officials have defended congestion pricing as a means of reducing traffic in Manhattan and raising money for public transportation. Critics have argued that the toll unfairly burdens drivers, particularly those traveling into New York from neighboring states.

The lawsuit remains pending in federal court.