Starting Sunday, a new toll system will take effect in one of the busiest sections of Manhattan. Drivers entering the Congestion Pricing Relief Zone, located south of 60th Street, will be required to pay a $9 toll. This development follows the recent denial of a temporary restraining order by a federal judge on Friday, which New Jersey Governor Murphy’s office requested. Despite the state’s intention to appeal, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is moving forward with the plan as scheduled.
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Background and Purpose of the Congestion Pricing Plan
The toll is part of a long-discussed initiative to alleviate traffic congestion in Manhattan’s Midtown area while raising funds for critical MTA capital projects. The concept of congestion pricing has been under consideration for nearly 50 years, with previous attempts, such as Mayor Bloomberg’s 2009 proposal, falling short. MTA CEO Janno Lieber called the current plan historic, stating, “This is historic. We’ve been talking about this in New York for close to 50 years.”
Toll Structure and Time Variations
The toll will vary depending on the time of day. During peak hours, which run from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, drivers will be required to pay the toll. However, during overnight hours, the toll will be significantly reduced by 75%. The MTA’s goal is not only to manage traffic but to raise billions for the city’s public transportation infrastructure.
For passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles, the base toll will be $9 during peak hours and $2.25 during the overnight period if using a valid E-ZPass. Motorcycles will pay a toll of $4.50 during peak hours and $1.05 overnight. Small trucks and buses will be subject to higher charges, with larger vehicles like tour buses and large trucks facing tolls up to $21.60 during peak hours.
Taxis and for-hire vehicles, including green cabs and black cars, will be charged a per-trip fee that passengers will pay for rides in and out of the zone. High-volume for-hire vehicles will be charged $1.50 per trip, while other cars, such as taxis, will pay $0.75 per trip.
Discounts and Exemptions
The MTA will provide various exemptions and discounts to support residents and essential services. Low-income drivers can benefit from a discount plan. At the same time, individuals with disabilities, organizations transporting people with disabilities, emergency vehicles, and certain government-owned vehicles will be exempt from the toll. Additionally, drivers who enter Manhattan through one of the four tolled tunnels (Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Queens-Midtown Tunnel, and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel) will receive crossing credits that reduce their tolls.
Phased Implementation and Future Toll Increases
The toll program will be phased in over six years, beginning with the $9 toll for passenger cars. By 2028, the toll will increase to $12, with the final increase to $15 expected by 2031. Governor Hochul could not set the base toll below $9 to avoid triggering a federal environmental review, which could give the incoming Trump administration an opportunity to block the plan. President-elect Donald Trump had previously stated his opposition to congestion pricing but would face more challenges if the plan is already in progress by the time he assumes office.
Impact on Traffic and Funding for Transit Improvements
The new toll is expected to reduce traffic by approximately 80,000 vehicles and generate billions of dollars that will go directly towards improving the city’s transit system. This initiative is a significant step towards improving both the environment and the overall quality of life for New Yorkers by reducing congestion and funding much-needed infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the congestion pricing toll take effect?
The toll system will begin on Sunday. Drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street will be required to pay a $9 fee.
How much will the toll cost during peak hours?
During peak hours, the toll for passenger vehicles will be $9, with reduced rates overnight.
Are there any discounts or exemptions for low-income drivers?
Yes, a discount plan will be available for low-income drivers, and exemptions will be available for individuals with disabilities and certain other vehicles.
How will taxis and for-hire vehicles be charged?
Taxis and for-hire vehicles charge a per-trip fee, which will pay the passenger pays. High-volume cars are charged $1.50 per trip, while other vehicles, such as taxis, charge $0.75 per trip.
What are crossing credits, and who qualifies for them?
Drivers entering Manhattan through one of the four tolled tunnels will receive crossing credits, reducing their tolls by up to $3 for passenger vehicles, depending on the vehicle type.
Conclusion
New York’s congestion pricing plan marks a significant step toward improving the city’s traffic flow and funding essential transportation projects. While the program has faced some opposition and legal challenges, it is moving forward as scheduled and will benefit residents and visitors in the long term.
The phased implementation and variable tolls aim to strike a balance between reducing congestion and supporting the city’s transportation infrastructure.