Can be avoided if it starts, what you should know

The Metropolitan Transit Authority will implement congestion pricing in New York City on Sunday, January 5th.

Here’s an overview of what we know about the congestion pricing program so far, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

More:How to register for the MTA webinars on congestion pricing information in Manhattan

What are congestion pricing?

The MTA’s congestion pricing program is an initiative aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and generating nearly $15 billion in revenue to reshape New York’s public transit programs by charging for vehicles , which enter most of Manhattan below 60th Street, incur a $9 toll.

The City of New York’s congestion pricing program is the first of its kind in the nation. The idea for tolls was first proposed in 2019 by former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The toll is intended to discourage cars from entering the Congestion Relief Zone, which includes some of the busiest parts of Midtown and Lower Manhattan.

According to the public transit agency, more than 700,000 vehicles enter the Manhattan Central Business District, which is part of the Congestion Relief Zone, every day and enter traffic at speeds between 9 and 7 miles per hour.

“New Yorkers lose an average of 117 hours in traffic each year, costing them nearly $2,000 in lost productivity and wasted time,” the MTA said on its Congestion Relief Zone website. “For motorists, congestion charging will reduce traffic and make it easier to get to, from and in the congestion relief zone. Congestion pricing means there are fewer cars on the road, so those who still need to drive can drive faster and spend less time in traffic.”

A starting price of $15 for tolls, which would increase every year through 2030, was approved by the MTA board in March and was set to take effect in June. However, multiple lawsuits from labor groups, citizens and various elected officials, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Rockland County Executive Ed Day, successfully stopped the initiative.

After the 2024 election, current Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams reinstated the congestion pricing program at a lower starting price of $9 toll, which was approved by the MTA board on November 18.

Where is the “relief zone” for congestion pricing in NYC?

The Congestion Relief Zone includes streets below 60th Street, excluding FDR Drive, West Side Highway/Route 9A and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connections to West Street. According to the MTA, toll amounts vary depending on vehicle type and time of day.

How high are the congestion prices?

The congestion pricing plan begins with a $9 peak-hour toll starting at midnight on Sunday, January 5th. In 2028, 2029 and 2030, the MTA plans to increase the price to $12. By 2031, most drivers are expected to pay $15 per toll.

At what times do congestion prices apply?

Passenger cars and small commercial vehicles entering the congestion relief zone, including SUVs, pickup trucks and vans, will be charged a toll when traveling in the zone between peak hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, unless an exception is granted. There is a $2.25 fee for these vehicles during overnight hours.

Motorcycles are charged $4.50 during rush hour and $1.05 during night time. Small trucks and some buses pay $14.40 during rush hour and $3.60 overnight, while large trucks pay $21.60 during rush hour and $5.40 overnight.

A congestion fee is only charged once per day for cars and motorcycles in the zone.

Who is responsible for congestion pricing?

While former Gov. Andrew Cuomo introduced the idea in 2019 and current Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York Mayor Eric Adams support the plan, the MTA is responsible for setting the price and enforcing tolls.

The MTA oversees New York City’s subway and bus systems, the Metro North and Long Island Railroads, as well as tolling and maintenance of New York City’s busiest bridges and tunnels.

Can congestion prices be avoided?

According to the MTA, citizens with an EZ Pass can receive lower toll rates and applicable credits, discounts and waivers for crossing within the Congestion Relief Zone when their EZ Pass is linked to their current driver’s license.

Vehicles with valid EZ Passes entering the Congestion Relief Zone during rush hour may be eligible for transit credits when traveling through the Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Queens-Midtown Tunnel and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel drive for which tolls are already due.

A credit of up to $3 is available for passenger vehicles, up to $1.50 for motorcycles, up to $7.50 for small trucks and charter buses, and up to $12 for large trucks and motorcoaches . Credits do not apply overnight, as the MTA says tolls will be reduced by 75% off peak fare.

New York residents living within the Congestion Relief Zone will continue to be charged a congestion rate once per day, depending on the time they are in the zone. However, residents of the zone whose income is less than $60,000 may be eligible for a toll tax credit.

Other residents who require disability-accessible services may also apply for toll discounts and exemptions for their vehicles.

According to the MTA, the following vehicles are exempt from tolls:

Qualification of approved emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines
Qualified vehicles for transporting people with disabilities
Specialized government vehicles
School buses commissioned by the New York City Department of Education
Commuter vans licensed by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission
Regular buses are open to the public

Can be avoided if it starts, what you should know

ByAmelia Journalton

By Amelia Journalton

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