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.

Sheila Morovati’s Pacific Palisades home was spared, but her neighborhood was decimated in the Los Angeles fires. For her, climate change looms over the tragic losses.

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.