Hochul makes pitch to keep congestion pricing direct to Trump as president could make decision as soon as next week

Gov.Kathy Hochul spoke to President Trump directly to defend her Manhattan congestion toll — with the commander-in-chief telling her he’ll make a decision on the plan as soon as next week, sources said.Hochul and Trump spoke twice this week over the phone as the administration has been expected to try to unravel the controversial $9 toll to drive into Midtown Manhattan that went into effect Jan.

5, the sources said.“America’s economy relies on New York City, and New York City relies on public transit — that’s why Governor Hochul will always advocate for funding the commuter rail, subways and buses that fuel the economic growth of the greatest city in the world,” a spokesperson for Hochul said.Trump has previously said he’d support scrapping the toll, which is already planned to jump to $15 within several years.“I have great respect for the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, and look forward to working with her to Make New York and America Great Again.

But I strongly disagree with the decision on the congestion tax,” Trump told The Post in November.Republican members of New York’s House delegation told The Post earlier this month that Trump agreed to help dismantle the toll.Hochul and Trump spoke Monday about a range of issues in a pre-arranged phone call, sources said.They said Hochul called the President Thursday morning specifically to discuss congestion pricing.The conversations were “pleasant” and “not confrontational,” sources added.The president has been filling his administration with similarly aligned enemies of the tax including former New York Rep.

Lee Zeldin, who was confirmed this week to head the Environmental Protection Agency.Trump is also reportedly tapping anti-congestion pricing former GOP Rep.Marc Molinaro to serve in a top post overseeing transit.Congestion pricing opponents are most likely to try to unravel the scheme by removing its authorization on the basis that it required a more rigorous type of environmen...