Judge rules to allow congestion pricing
A federal judge has denied New Jersey’s request to delay NYC’s $9 congestion pricing toll, allowing it to begin as scheduled on Sunday. The controversial toll applies to drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. NJ leaders argue the MTA’s environmental studies were insufficient and plan to appeal the ruling.
NEW YORK – New York City is now officially the first U.S. metro to implement a congestion pricing toll.
Starting today, most drivers entering Manhattan’s congestion zone will face a $9 toll.
The landmark initiative is designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and raise funds for much-needed public transit upgrades, although critics have said it is just one more unfair cost to commuters to fund the MTA.
Here’s what you need to know about how it works, who it affects, and what it will cost:
Congestion pricing map
Vehicles entering the Manhattan zone, which are local streets and avenues at or below 60 Street – near Central Park – will be charged a toll.
This map shows the proposed zone for New York City congestion pricing.
What is congestion pricing?
Congestion pricing is an electronic tolling system that charges vehicles for entering Manhattan’s Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) — the area below 60th Street, excluding certain highways like the FDR Drive and West Side Highway. The program aims to:
- Reduce gridlock in Manhattan’s busiest areas.
- Encourage public transit use.
- Fund approximately $15 billion in transit infrastructure improvements.
Who will be charged?
Drivers entering the CRZ will pay a toll, but there are exceptions and discounts:
- Exempt Roads: No tolls will be charged for vehicles using the FDR Drive, West Side Highway, or roads connecting the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel.
- Local Traffic: Cars that stay within the CRZ or use exempt roads without crossing the boundary are not charged.
How does it work?
Most tolls will be collected through E-ZPass, thanks to gantries already set up at the congestion zone entry points.
Drivers without an E-ZPass will be mailed a bill and forced to pay a higher rate.
How Much Will It Cost?
Fees vary depending on vehicle type and time of day:
Peak Hours (5 a.m. – 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. weekends):
- Passenger vehicles: $9 with E-ZPass ($13.50 by mail).
- Motorcycles: $4.50 with E-ZPass ($6.75 by mail).
- Small trucks: $14.40.
- Large trucks and buses: $21.60.
Off-Peak Hours (9 p.m. – 5 a.m. weekdays, 9 p.m. – 9 a.m. weekends):
Toll rates drop by 75%:
- Passenger vehicles: $2.25.
- Motorcycles: $1.05.
Are there discounts or exemptions?
Yes! Here are key benefits for specific groups:
- Low-income drivers: Those earning under $50,000 annually qualify for a 50% discount after their 10th monthly trip.
- Emergency vehicles and disabled drivers: Fully exempt.
- Tunnel credits: Drivers using the Holland, Lincoln, Hugh L. Carey, or Queens-Midtown tunnels will receive crossing credits ranging from $1.50 to $3.
Impact on taxis and rideshares
Taxis, green cabs, and black cars face a 75-cent surcharge per trip, while app-based services like Uber and Lyft charge $1.50 per trip for rides that begin, end, or pass through the CRZ.
What will the money be used for?
Revenue from congestion pricing will support critical upgrades to the city’s transit systems. These include:
- Modernizing subway infrastructure.
- Adding buses and increasing service frequency on 23 routes, including Staten Island express buses and popular Brooklyn lines.
How to Prepare
- Get E-ZPass: Save up to 50% on tolls compared to mail-based billing.
- Plan Your Route: Use toll-exempt highways like the FDR Drive or West Side Highway to avoid charges.
- Explore Transit Alternatives: Take advantage of expanded bus and subway services.
