Preliminary data from the first few weeks of New York City’s tolling plan show a possible uptick in traffic in the neighborhood.

Marc Molinaro, a former Republican congressman, would steer the Federal Transit Administration, which supports mass transit systems nationwide.

The New York City tolling program began on Jan. 5 after defying obstacles for decades. A move to stop it would likely touch off a legal battle between the state and federal government.

Early data from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority suggests that traffic has dropped around Manhattan’s core.

Manhattan commuters are already marveling at what appears to be less traffic — and grousing about the new $9 tolls.

Days into the new charges, some restaurant owners say suppliers are raising prices. Others are giving customer discounts, and many fear the fallout for workers.

Charging drivers to enter Lower Manhattan vindicates the lifelong mission of a Nobel laureate who, as it happened, died behind the wheel of a car.

After twists and turns, a contentious plan meant to reduce traffic and pay for transit improvements is scheduled to take effect at midnight Sunday.

Starting Sunday, most drivers who enter Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak travel times will be charged a $9 fee.

The decision in a lawsuit brought by the State of New Jersey meant that the tolling plan could go ahead as planned, New York said. A lawyer for New Jersey disagreed.

They were the bright lights during a rocky year, making the city a cooler, and fairer, place to be.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is contending with pressure from environmental advocates and President-elect Donald Trump as she charts a path forward.

© Erika P. Rodriguez for The New York Times