Are you vehemently opposed to the MTA’s plan of charging vehicles at least $15 to enter Manhattan around midtown and below? Or perhaps excited to see what the influx of funds could do to help your subway commute each day?

Either way, now’s the time to let your voice be heard.

Thursday marks the first of four hearings, virtual and in-person, where the public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed congestion pricing plan and suggest amendments before a final vote in the spring. Nearly 200 people signed up to speak — some of whom support the plan, some oppose it.

The hearing kicked off at 6 p.m., and there will be three more held over the course of the next few days:

• Friday, March 1, at 10:00 a.m.  
• Monday, March 4, at 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, March 4, at 6:00 p.m.   

The hearings will be held on the 20th floor of 2 Broadway in Manhattan. There will also be a Zoom option, and they will be streamed on the MTA’s website.

Members of the public who want to speak at the hearings have to register in advance online or by calling 646-252-6777. Registration is now open, and closes 30 minutes after the start of the hearings.

The public can also send a written or audio comment through one of these methods:

Online: https://contact.mta.info/s/forms/CBDTP  
Email: cbdtp.feedback@mtabt.org  
Mail: CBD Tolling Program, 2 Broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004  
Phone: 646-252-7440  
Fax: Send to (212) 504-3148 with Attention to CBDTP Team.   

“The statute is the law of the land. A lot of work has been done. We are at the five yard line. But a lot of work has been done. The board is going to hear comments and take them into consideration,” said MTA President Richard Davey.

The hearings are set to begin a day after the MTA announced that 95% of its toll readers for its controversial congestion pricing program have already been installed and are ready to go, covering 104 of the planned 110 locations.

Cars will be charged an additional $15 to enter Manhattan at 61st Street and below, while trucks could be charged between $24 and $36, depending on size. As it stands, the collection readers are scheduled to go “live” on or about June 15.

The MTA board overwhelmingly voted to approve the measure in December, saying charging drivers to enter a large swath of Manhattan would contribute millions of dollars to the city’s aging transit system.

The approval came after the Traffic Mobility Review Board delivered its report to the MTA on Nov. 30, laying out the general guidelines for the impending tolls, including costs, when certain prices will be in effect, who gets credits and more.

Here’s a breakdown of everything that was approved in December, and what comes next in the process.

How does congestion pricing work? Who gets charged — and how much?

Congestion pricing would impact any driver entering what is being called the Central Business District (CBD), which stretches from 60th Street in Manhattan and below, all the way down to the southern tip of the Financial District. In other words, most drivers entering midtown Manhattan or below will have to pay the toll, according to the board’s report.

All drivers of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles would be charged the toll. Different vehicles will be charged different amounts — here’s a breakdown of the prices:

• Passenger vehicles: $15
• Small trucks (like box trucks, moving vans, etc.): $24
• Large trucks: $36
• Motorcycles: $7.50

The $15 toll is about a midway point between previously reported possibilities, which have ranged from $9 to $23.

The full, daytime rates would be in effect from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. each weekday, and 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the weekends. The board called for toll rates in the off-hours (from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. on weekdays, and 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. on weekends) to be about 75% less — about $3.50 instead of $15 for a passenger vehicle.

Drivers would only be charged to enter the zone, not to leave it or stay in it. That means residents who enter the CBD and circle their block to look for parking won’t be charged.

Only one toll will be levied per day — so anyone who enters the area, then leaves and returns, will still only be charged the toll once for that day.

The review board said that implementing their congestion pricing plan is expected to reduce the number of vehicles entering the area by 17%. That would equate to 153,000 fewer cars in that large portion of Manhattan. They also predicted that the plan would generate $15 billion, a cash influx that could be used to modernize subways and buses.

Do Uber, Lyft and other rideshares get exemptions? What about taxis?

There will be exemptions in place for rideshares and taxis, but much to their chagrin, they won’t get away completely scot-free.

The toll will not be in effect for taxis, but drivers will be charged a $1.25 surcharge per ride. The same policy applies to Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers, but their surcharge will be $2.50.

New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai said in a statement that the plan is ” a reckless proposal that will devastate an entire workforce.”

Are there any other exemptions to congestion pricing tolls?

Many groups had been hoping to get exemptions, but very few will avoid having to pay the toll entirely. That small group is limited just to specialized government vehicles (like snowplows) and emergency vehicles.

Low-income drivers who earn less than $50,000 a year can apply to pay half the price on the daytime toll, but only after the first 10 trips in a month.

While not an exemption, there will also be so-called “crossing credits” for drivers using any of the four tunnels to get into Manhattan. That means those who already pay at the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel, for example, will not pay the full congestion fee. The credit amounts to $5 per ride for passenger vehicles, $2.50 for motorcycles, $12 for small trucks and $20 for large trucks.

Drivers from Long Island and Queens using the Queens-Midtown Tunnel will get the same break, as will those using the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Those who come over the George Washington Bridge and go south of 60th Street would see no such discount, however.

Public-sector employees (teachers, police, firefighters, transit workers, etc.), those who live in the so-called CBD, utility companies, those with medical appointments in the area and those who drive electric vehicles had all been hoping to get be granted an exemption. But neither the MTA nor the Traffic Mobility Review Board included any such exemptions for those groups.

So what comes next, and when will the tolls go into effect?

As for when the plan could go into effect, the MTA has maintained that the goal is to start charging the toll in late Spring 2024. But it’s likely that will be delayed a bit.

Four public hearings will be held, starting Thursday, as part of a 60-day public response period. The last of those hearings is March 4. Any possible tweaks to the plan (like Mayor Eric Adams’ request for more exemptions, for vehicles such as taxis) could be added before a “final” vote later in March or in April.

That would mean the earliest the tolls would go into effect would be late June 2024, at this point.

There had been fears of a toll as high as $23, but Lieber previously poured cold water on that idea, saying MTA board members were “trying to keep it well lower than that.” He added that in order to keep the standard toll price low, the transit agency would have to keep the number of exemptions low as well.

Any one of the lawsuits filed against congestion pricing could also bring the plan screeching to a halt, depending on how the judges rule. Many of the challenges focus on the environmental impacts of the plan, though proponents have said it will help cut down on emissions.

Lieber said it’s “highly probable” the transit agency will prevail in the lawsuits filed on both sides of the Hudson River, both in New Jersey and in the city, which would give them the green light to begin the program sometime in June barring a surprise ruling from a judge.

The MTA announced Wednesday that 95% of the toll readers for its controversial congestion pricing program have been installed, covering 104 of the planned 110 locations.

Cars will be charged an additional $15 to enter Manhattan at 61st Street and below, while trucks could be charged between $24 and $36, depending on size. As it stands, the collection readers are scheduled to go “live” on or about June 15. MTA

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said Wednesday it’s “highly probable” that MTA will prevail in lawsuits on both sides of the Hudson and that the tolling program can begin as scheduled.

The MTA update comes a day before the first of four hearings, virtual and in-person, where the public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed plan and suggest amendments before a final vote in the spring.

• Thursday, Feb. 29, at 6:00 p.m. 
• Friday, March 1, at 10:00 a.m.  
• Monday, March 4, at 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, March 4, at 6:00 p.m.   

The hearings will be held on the 20th floor of 2 Broadway in Manhattan. There will also be a Zoom option.

Members of the public who want to speak at the hearings have to register in advance online or by calling 646-252-6777. Registration is now open, and closes 30 minutes after the start of the hearings.

The public can also send a written or audio comment through one of these methods:

Online: https://contact.mta.info/s/forms/CBDTP  
Email: cbdtp.feedback@mtabt.org  
Mail: CBD Tolling Program, 2 Broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004  
Phone: 646-252-7440  
Fax: Send to (212) 504-3148 with Attention to CBDTP Team.   

The hearings will be streamed on the MTA’s website.

The MTA board overwhelmingly voted to approve the measure in December, saying charging drivers to enter a large swath of Manhattan would contribute millions of dollars to the city’s aging transit system.

The approval came after the Traffic Mobility Review Board delivered its report to the MTA on Nov. 30, laying out the general guidelines for the impending tolls, including costs, when certain prices will be in effect, who gets credits and more.

Here’s a breakdown of everything that was approved in December, and what comes next in the process.

How does congestion pricing work? Who gets charged — and how much?

Congestion pricing would impact any driver entering what is being called the Central Business District (CBD), which stretches from 60th Street in Manhattan and below, all the way down to the southern tip of the Financial District. In other words, most drivers entering midtown Manhattan or below will have to pay the toll, according to the board’s report.

All drivers of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles would be charged the toll. Different vehicles will be charged different amounts — here’s a breakdown of the prices:

• Passenger vehicles: $15
• Small trucks (like box trucks, moving vans, etc.): $24
• Large trucks: $36
• Motorcycles: $7.50

The $15 toll is about a midway point between previously reported possibilities, which have ranged from $9 to $23.

The full, daytime rates would be in effect from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. each weekday, and 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the weekends. The board called for toll rates in the off-hours (from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. on weekdays, and 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. on weekends) to be about 75% less — about $3.50 instead of $15 for a passenger vehicle.

Drivers would only be charged to enter the zone, not to leave it or stay in it. That means residents who enter the CBD and circle their block to look for parking won’t be charged.

Only one toll will be levied per day — so anyone who enters the area, then leaves and returns, will still only be charged the toll once for that day.

The review board said that implementing their congestion pricing plan is expected to reduce the number of vehicles entering the area by 17%. That would equate to 153,000 fewer cars in that large portion of Manhattan. They also predicted that the plan would generate $15 billion, a cash influx that could be used to modernize subways and buses.

Do Uber, Lyft and other rideshares get exemptions? What about taxis?

There will be exemptions in place for rideshares and taxis, but much to their chagrin, they won’t get away completely scot-free.

The toll will not be in effect for taxis, but drivers will be charged a $1.25 surcharge per ride. The same policy applies to Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers, but their surcharge will be $2.50.

New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai said in a statement that the plan is ” a reckless proposal that will devastate an entire workforce.”

Are there any other exemptions to congestion pricing tolls?

Many groups had been hoping to get exemptions, but very few will avoid having to pay the toll entirely. That small group is limited just to specialized government vehicles (like snowplows) and emergency vehicles.

Low-income drivers who earn less than $50,000 a year can apply to pay half the price on the daytime toll, but only after the first 10 trips in a month.

While not an exemption, there will also be so-called “crossing credits” for drivers using any of the four tunnels to get into Manhattan. That means those who already pay at the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel, for example, will not pay the full congestion fee. The credit amounts to $5 per ride for passenger vehicles, $2.50 for motorcycles, $12 for small trucks and $20 for large trucks.

Drivers from Long Island and Queens using the Queens-Midtown Tunnel will get the same break, as will those using the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Those who come over the George Washington Bridge and go south of 60th Street would see no such discount, however.

Public-sector employees (teachers, police, firefighters, transit workers, etc.), those who live in the so-called CBD, utility companies, those with medical appointments in the area and those who drive electric vehicles had all been hoping to get be granted an exemption. But neither the MTA nor the Traffic Mobility Review Board included any such exemptions for those groups.

So what comes next, and when will the tolls go into effect?

As for when the plan could go into effect, the MTA has maintained that the goal is to start charging the toll in late Spring 2024. But it’s likely that will be delayed a bit.

Four public hearings will be held, starting Thursday, as part of a 60-day public response period. The last of those hearings is March 4. Any possible tweaks to the plan (like Mayor Eric Adams’ request for more exemptions, for vehicles such as taxis) could be added before a “final” vote later in March or in April.

That would mean the earliest the tolls would go into effect would be late June 2024, at this point.

There had been fears of a toll as high as $23, but Lieber previously poured cold water on that idea, saying MTA board members were “trying to keep it well lower than that.” He added that in order to keep the standard toll price low, the transit agency would have to keep the number of exemptions low as well.

Any one of the lawsuits filed against congestion pricing could also bring the plan screeching to a halt, depending on how the judges rule. Many of the challenges focus on the environmental impacts of the plan, though proponents have said it will help cut down on emissions.

Lieber said it’s “highly probable” the transit agency will prevail in the lawsuits filed on both sides of the Hudson River, which would give them the green light to begin the program sometime in June, barring a surprise ruling from a judge.

With heavy traffic on the FDR Drive on Thursday, those who live in the area worry when the congestion pricing plan is enacted, it will actually get worse rather than better.

“This would be devastating — absolutely devastating,” said Lower East Side resident Aixa Torres about the congestion pricing plan. “My God, this is insane. Hit me one more time with something else I have to pay for.”

She is one of dozens who joined a class action lawsuit filed Thursday.

congestion pricing Dec 26, 2023

MTA announces congestion pricing public hearing dates, process to provide comments

congestion pricing Dec 6, 2023

MTA board approves NYC congestion pricing plan: What to know about tolls, exemptions and more

New York City Dec 4, 2023

MTA's congestion pricing plan sees pushback by politicians, businesses

“My voice and that of my neighbors have been ignored and dismissed,” said fellow Lower East Side resident Trevor Holland. “How is that fair. How is that just and how is that legal?”

Their complaint doesn’t just center around the cost of the MTA’s congestion toll, which would charge cars $15 in addition to a surcharge for cabs and for-hire vehicles. Trucks entering Manhattan at 60th Street or below face a toll of $24 to $36.

The new lawsuit contends the MTA is ignoring the environmental impact on neighborhoods that could see more traffic as a result.

“They did an environmental assessment which is a rubber stamp. That’s how serious the MTA is,” said Queens Councilman Bob Holden.

But the MTA maintains that the nation’s first congestion toll will raise billions of dollars to modernize the aging subway system. As for pollution, a spokesman said “the issue has been exhaustively studied in the 4,000-plus page environmental assessment, and will be re-evaluated for the adopted tolling structure before tolling commences.”

The lawsuit joins other legal action already in progress. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, teachers union president Mike Mulgrew and New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer have already gone to court. 

But commuter advocates don’t believe those opposed are sincere about environmental concerns.

“There’s no way they’re going to be satisfied with more years of study. They’re trying to kill the program outright,” said Danny Pearlstein of the Riders Alliance, siding with the MTA.

What has yet to been seen is whether any of the lawsuits will slow down the momentum of congestion pricing, which is currently scheduled to begin rolling drivers by late spring this year. A lawyer involved in the class action lawsuit predicted that all the lawsuits will eventually combine, then there will be more clarity from a judge about whether the plan will be allowed to move forward.

Drivers will now have the chance to weigh in on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) plan for congestion pricing in New York City.

The MTA on Tuesday announced plans for four hybrid (virtual and in-person) hearings starting Feb. 29. The hearings will take place:

• Thursday, Feb. 29, at 6:00 p.m. 
• Friday, March 1, at 10:00 a.m.  
• Monday, March 4, at 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, March 4, at 6:00 p.m.   

The hearings will be held on the 20th floor of 2 Broadway in Manhattan. There will also be a Zoom option.

Members of the public who want to speak at the hearings have to register in advance online or by calling 646-252-6777. Registration opens one week before the start time of each hearing and then will close 30 minutes after the start of the hearings.

The public can also send a written or audio comment through one of these methods:

Online: https://contact.mta.info/s/forms/CBDTP  
Email: cbdtp.feedback@mtabt.org  
Mail: CBD Tolling Program, 2 Broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004  
Phone: 646-252-7440  
Fax: Send to (212) 504-3148 with Attention to CBDTP Team.   

The hearings will be streamed on the MTA’s website.

Earlier in December, the MTA board overwhelmingly voted to approve the measure it says will contribute millions of dollars for the city’s aging transit system — and cut down on traffic — by charging drivers to enter a large swath of Manhattan.

The approval came after the Traffic Mobility Review Board delivered its report to the MTA on Nov. 30, laying out the general guidelines for the impending tolls, including costs, when certain prices will be in effect, who gets credits and more. Cars will be charged an additional $15 to enter Manhattan at 60th Street and below, while trucks could be charged between $24-$36 dollars, depending on size.

(For more information on surcharges, exemptions and when the tolls will be in effect, scroll down.)

“Right now, we are very much ready and excited to accommodate the projected movement of a portion of the driving public to transit,” said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber. “We do have plenty of room on transit, but that does not mean that we’re going to stop pushing to increase service.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has been a vocal supporter of congestion pricing, hailed the board’s approval.

“Congestion pricing means cleaner air, better transit and less gridlock on New York City’s streets and today’s vote by the MTA Board is a critical step forward,” Hochul said in a statement. “The proposal approved today heeds my call to lower the toll rate by nearly 35 percent from the maximum rate originally considered.”

Only one member of the MTA board opposed the plan when it was put up for a vote Wednesday morning. The other nine members voted to approve the plan.

“$24 — that’s what it will be to go in and see a son or daughter, or to see a show, or to have dinner. I cannot vote for it, I’m sorry to say,” said board member David Mack.

congestion pricing Aug 18, 2023

NYC congestion pricing: Will some drivers get exemptions? Advisory board weighs in

congestion pricing Jul 24, 2023

Staten Island plans to sue MTA over congestion pricing plan after NJ announced lawsuit

congestion pricing Jul 21, 2023

NJ to sue Federal Highway Administration over NYC congestion pricing plan, Murphy says

Here’s a breakdown of everything that was approved earlier this month, and what comes next in the process:

How does congestion pricing work? Who gets charged — and how much?

Congestion pricing would impact any driver entering what is being called the Central Business District (CBD), which stretches from 60th Street in Manhattan and below, all the way down to the southern tip of the Financial District. In other words, most drivers entering midtown Manhattan or below will have to pay the toll, according to the board’s report.

All drivers of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles would be charged the toll. Different vehicles will be charged different amounts — here’s a breakdown of the prices:

• Passenger vehicles: $15
• Small trucks (like box trucks, moving vans, etc.): $24
• Large trucks: $36
• Motorcycles: $7.50

The $15 toll is about a midway point between previously reported possibilities, which have ranged from $9 to $23.

The full, daytime rates would be in effect from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. each weekday, and 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the weekends. The board called for toll rates in the off-hours (from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. on weekdays, and 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. on weekends) to be about 75% less — about $3.50 instead of $15 for a passenger vehicle.

Drivers would only be charged to enter the zone, not to leave it or stay in it. That means that residents who enter the CBD and circle their block to look for parking won’t be charged.

Only one toll will be levied per day — so anyone who enters the area, then leaves and returns, will still only be charged the toll one time for that day.

The review board said that implementing their congestion pricing plan is expected to reduce the number of vehicles entering the area by 17%. That would equate to 153,000 fewer cars in that large portion of Manhattan. They also predicted that $15 billion would come in from the plan, which would be used to modernize subways and buses.

“Excess traffic is costing the New York City region $20 billion a year,” said Kathy Wylde, of the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

Do Uber, Lyft and other rideshares get exemptions? What about taxis?

There will be exemptions in place for rideshares and taxis, but much to their chagrin, they won’t get away completely scot-free.

The toll will not be in effect for taxis, but drivers will be charged a $1.25 surcharge per ride. The same policy applies to Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers, but their surcharge will be $2.50.

New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai said in a statement that the plan is ” a reckless proposal that will devastate an entire workforce.”

Are there any other exemptions to congestion pricing tolls?

Many groups had been hoping to get exemptions, but very few will avoid having to pay the toll entirely. That small group is limited just to specialized government vehicles (like snowplows) and emergency vehicles.

Low-income drivers who earn less than $50,000 a year can apply to pay half the price on the daytime toll, but only after the first 10 trips in a month.

While not an exemption, there will also be so-called “crossing credits” for drivers using any of the four tunnels to get into Manhattan. That means those who already pay at the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel, for example, will not pay the full congestion fee. The credit amounts to $5 per ride for passenger vehicles, $2.50 for motorcycles, $12 for small trucks and $20 for large trucks.

Drivers from Long Island and Queens using the Queens-Midtown Tunnel will get the same break, as will those using the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Those who come over the George Washington Bridge and go south of 60th Street would see no such discount, however.

Public-sector employees (teachers, police, firefighters, transit workers, etc.), those who live in the so-called CBD, utility companies, those with medical appointments in the area and those who drive electric vehicles had all been hoping to get be granted an exemption. But neither the MTA nor the Traffic Mobility Review Board included any such exemptions for those groups.

There is some concern regarding enforcement. The MTA has already struggled to collect at cashless toll plazas with up to 5% failing to pay.

“We are gonna go after it hard, and make sure they’re not getting away with it. The credibility is the whole effort is at stake,” Lieber said about those who try to dodge the toll.

So what comes next, and when will the tolls go into effect?

As for when the plan could go into effect, the MTA has maintained that the goal is to start charging the toll in late Spring 2024. But it’s likely that will be delayed a bit.

Now that the MTA has approved the initial plan, there will be a 60-day response period in effect, which will include four public hearings in late February and early March. Any possible tweaks to the plan (like Mayor Eric Adams’ request for more exemptions, for vehicles such as taxis) could be added before what would be a “final” vote in April.

That would mean the earliest the tolls would actually go into effect would be late June 2024, at this point.

There had been fears of a toll as high as $23, but MTA Chairman Janno Lieber previously poured cold water on that idea, saying earlier in the year that MTA board members were “trying to keep it well lower than that.” He added that in order to keep the standard toll price low, the transit agency would have to keep the number of exemptions low as well.

But even with the lower recommended prices, local leaders from both sides of the political aisle were already looking to take legal action to prevent the congestion pricing plan from charging their constituents.

“It’s ripping off New Jersey commuters to pay for whatever financial hardships the MTA is facing. We’re considering all of our options, including further legal action,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

Gov. Murphy previously sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Board asking for drivers from his state to be exempt, arguing they shouldn’t have to pay for the toll to take the Holland and Lincoln tunnels or George Washington Bridge in addition to an extra fee to go into midtown Manhattan. He argued that toll price should count as a credit toward the fee, to ensure they are not having to pay twice.

New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in an effort to block congestion pricing. Staten Island has said it plans to sue the MTA over the plan as well.

“The recently-reported $15 toll to enter Manhattan below 60^th St is nothing short of complete highway robbery for the people of Staten Island. This could be one of the worst things to ever happen to Staten Island,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “We have said time and time again that all Staten Islanders, especially those who live near the Staten Island Expressway, will have to suffer with more air pollution and more traffic, not to mention this added tax to travel within their own city. For all this, Staten Islanders will see no return on the investment they’ll have no say in making.”

Any one of the lawsuits filed against congestion pricing could also bring the plan screeching to a halt, depending on how the judges rule. Many of the challenges focus on the environmental impacts of the plan, though proponents have said it will help cut down on emissions.

Aside from legal challenges, one of the only ways to keep the plan at bay would be some sort of act by Congress or the federal government.

The New York City Council held a hearing on the matter late over the summer. Transit President Richard Davey testified at that hearing, saying the revenue generated from the plan will help make NYC’s transit system state of the art — which will benefit everyone.

“That is what congestion pricing is going to buy, investment in our transit system. So we’re excited about taking this next step in the approval process,” said Davey.

The prospect of congestion pricing coming to New York City just got a lot more real, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board overwhelmingly voted to approve the measure it says will contribute millions of dollars for the city’s aging transit system — and cut down on traffic — by charging drivers to enter a large swath of Manhattan.

The approval came after the Traffic Mobility Review Board delivered its report to the MTA on Nov. 30, laying out the general guidelines for the impending tolls, including costs, when certain prices will be in effect, who gets credits and more. Cars will be charged an additional $15 to enter Manhattan at 60th Street and below, while trucks could be charged between $24-$36 dollars, depending on size.

(For more information on surcharges, exemptions and when the tolls will be in effect, scroll down.)

“Right now, we are very much ready and excited to accommodate the projected movement of a portion of the driving public to transit,” said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber. “We do have plenty of room on transit, but that does not mean that we’re going to stop pushing to increase service.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has been a vocal supporter of congestion pricing, hailed the board’s approval.

“Congestion pricing means cleaner air, better transit and less gridlock on New York City’s streets and today’s vote by the MTA Board is a critical step forward,” Hochul said in a statement. “The proposal approved today heeds my call to lower the toll rate by nearly 35 percent from the maximum rate originally considered.”

Only one member of the MTA board opposed the plan when it was put up for a vote Wednesday morning. The other nine members voted to approve the plan.

“$24 — that’s what it will be to go in and see a son or daughter, or to see a show, or to have dinner. I cannot vote for it, I’m sorry to say,” said board member David Mack.

congestion pricing Aug 18, 2023

NYC congestion pricing: Will some drivers get exemptions? Advisory board weighs in

congestion pricing Jul 24, 2023

Staten Island plans to sue MTA over congestion pricing plan after NJ announced lawsuit

congestion pricing Jul 21, 2023

NJ to sue Federal Highway Administration over NYC congestion pricing plan, Murphy says

It wasn’t all good news for subway riders on Wednesday: Due to lawsuits and other slowdowns to approval, the MTA said they are delaying a promised re-signaling of the A and C trains between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The transit agency said the evidence of how important such work is can be seen in the wait time improvements along the L and 4/5 lines.

Here’s a breakdown of everything that was approved on Wednesday, and what comes next in the process:

How does congestion pricing work? Who gets charged — and how much?

Congestion pricing would impact any driver entering what is being called the Central Business District (CBD), which stretches from 60th Street in Manhattan and below, all the way down to the southern tip of the Financial District. In other words, most drivers entering midtown Manhattan or below will have to pay the toll, according to the board’s report.

All drivers of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles would be charged the toll. Different vehicles will be charged different amounts — here’s a breakdown of the prices:

• Passenger vehicles: $15
• Small trucks (like box trucks, moving vans, etc.): $24
• Large trucks: $36
• Motorcycles: $7.50

The $15 toll is about a midway point between previously reported possibilities, which have ranged from $9 to $23.

The full, daytime rates would be in effect from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. each weekday, and 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the weekends. The board called for toll rates in the off-hours (from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. on weekdays, and 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. on weekends) to be about 75% less — about $3.50 instead of $15 for a passenger vehicle.

Drivers would only be charged to enter the zone, not to leave it or stay in it. That means that residents who enter the CBD and circle their block to look for parking won’t be charged.

Only one toll will be levied per day — so anyone who enters the area, then leaves and returns, will still only be charged the toll one time for that day.

The review board said that implementing their congestion pricing plan is expected to reduce the number of vehicles entering the area by 17%. That would equate to 153,000 fewer cars in that large portion of Manhattan. They also predicted that $15 billion would come in from the plan, which would be used to modernize subways and buses.

“Excess traffic is costing the New York City region $20 billion a year,” said Kathy Wylde, of the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

Do Uber, Lyft and other rideshares get exemptions? What about taxis?

There will be exemptions in place for rideshares and taxis, but much to their chagrin, they won’t get away completely scot-free.

The toll will not be in effect for taxis, but drivers will be charged a $1.25 surcharge per ride. The same policy applies to Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers, but their surcharge will be $2.50.

New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai said in a statement that the plan is ” a reckless proposal that will devastate an entire workforce.”

Are there any other exemptions to congestion pricing tolls?

Many groups had been hoping to get exemptions, but very few will avoid having to pay the toll entirely. That small group is limited just to specialized government vehicles (like snowplows) and emergency vehicles.

Low-income drivers who earn less than $50,000 a year can apply to pay half the price on the daytime toll, but only after the first 10 trips in a month.

While not an exemption, there will also be so-called “crossing credits” for drivers using any of the four tunnels to get into Manhattan. That means those who already pay at the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel, for example, will not pay the full congestion fee. The credit amounts to $5 per ride for passenger vehicles, $2.50 for motorcycles, $12 for small trucks and $20 for large trucks.

Drivers from Long Island and Queens using the Queens-Midtown Tunnel will get the same break, as will those using the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Those who come over the George Washington Bridge and go south of 60th Street would see no such discount, however.

Public-sector employees (teachers, police, firefighters, transit workers, etc.), those who live in the so-called CBD, utility companies, those with medical appointments in the area and those who drive electric vehicles had all been hoping to get be granted an exemption. But neither the MTA nor the Traffic Mobility Review Board included any such exemptions for those groups.

There is some concern regarding enforcement. The MTA has already struggled to collect at cashless toll plazas with up to 5% failing to pay.

“We are gonna go after it hard, and make sure they’re not getting away with it. The credibility is the whole effort is at stake,” Lieber said about those who try to dodge the toll.

So what comes next, and when will the tolls go into effect?

As for when the plan could go into effect, the MTA has maintained that the goal is to start charging the toll in late Spring 2024. But it’s likely that will be delayed a bit.

Now that the MTA has approved the initial plan, there will be a 60-day response period in effect, which will include four public hearings in late February and early March. Any possible tweaks to the plan (like Mayor Eric Adams’ request for more exemptions, for vehicles such as taxis) could be added before what would be a “final” vote in April.

That would mean the earliest the tolls would actually go into effect would be late June 2024, at this point.

There had been fears of a toll as high as $23, but MTA Chairman Janno Lieber previously poured cold water on that idea, saying earlier in the year that MTA board members were “trying to keep it well lower than that.” He added that in order to keep the standard toll price low, the transit agency would have to keep the number of exemptions low as well.

But even with the lower recommended prices, local leaders from both sides of the political aisle were already looking to take legal action to prevent the congestion pricing plan from charging their constituents.

“It’s ripping off New Jersey commuters to pay for whatever financial hardships the MTA is facing. We’re considering all of our options, including further legal action,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

Gov. Murphy previously sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Board asking for drivers from his state to be exempt, arguing they shouldn’t have to pay for the toll to take the Holland and Lincoln tunnels or George Washington Bridge in addition to an extra fee to go into midtown Manhattan. He argued that toll price should count as a credit toward the fee, to ensure they are not having to pay twice.

New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in an effort to block congestion pricing. Staten Island has said it plans to sue the MTA over the plan as well.

“The recently-reported $15 toll to enter Manhattan below 60^th St is nothing short of complete highway robbery for the people of Staten Island. This could be one of the worst things to ever happen to Staten Island,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “We have said time and time again that all Staten Islanders, especially those who live near the Staten Island Expressway, will have to suffer with more air pollution and more traffic, not to mention this added tax to travel within their own city. For all this, Staten Islanders will see no return on the investment they’ll have no say in making.”

Any one of the lawsuits filed against congestion pricing could also bring the plan screeching to a halt, depending on how the judges rule. Many of the challenges focus on the environmental impacts of the plan, though proponents have said it will help cut down on emissions.

Aside from legal challenges, one of the only ways to keep the plan at bay would be some sort of act by Congress or the federal government.

The New York City Council held a hearing on the matter late over the summer. Transit President Richard Davey testified at that hearing, saying the revenue generated from the plan will help make NYC’s transit system state of the art — which will benefit everyone.

“That is what congestion pricing is going to buy, investment in our transit system. So we’re excited about taking this next step in the approval process,” said Davey.

New York City’s Department of Transportation designates the busiest traffic days of the year as Gridlock Alert Days, recommending people bike or ride mass transit — or walk — to minimize the risk of unnecessary headaches. And the month of December owns about half of them for 2023.

‘Tis the season. Here’s the list for the rest of the month:

• Friday, December 1, 2023
• Tuesday, December 5, 2023
• Wednesday, December 6, 2023
• Thursday, December 7, 2023
• Friday, December 8, 2023
• Tuesday, December 12, 2023
• Wednesday, December 13, 2023
• Thursday, December 14, 2023
• Friday, December 15, 2023

Further complicating matters for drivers (while expanding free space for pedestrians), the city’s annual Holiday Streets open this Sunday on Fifth Avenue and around Rockefeller Center. See full details on those here.

More Holidays

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Nov 29, 2023

Meet the family who donated this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree

Nov 30, 2023

‘I will send a message to Santa': UPS driver and Conn. toddler share heartwarming moment

The moment drivers from the New York City area have been dreading just got another step closer, as big moves were made in the congestion pricing saga — including recommendations for how much drivers should be charged.

The Traffic Mobility Review Board delivered its report to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board, laying out the general guidelines for the impending tolls, including costs, when certain prices will be in effect, who gets credits and more.

Here’s a breakdown of everything that was included in the report:

congestion pricing Aug 18, 2023

NYC congestion pricing: Will some drivers get exemptions? Advisory board weighs in

congestion pricing Jul 24, 2023

Staten Island plans to sue MTA over congestion pricing plan after NJ announced lawsuit

congestion pricing Jul 21, 2023

NJ to sue Federal Highway Administration over NYC congestion pricing plan, Murphy says

How does congestion pricing work? Who gets charged — and how much?

Congestion pricing would impact any driver entering what is being called the Central Business District (CBD), which stretches from 60th Street in Manhattan and below, all the way down to the southern tip of the Financial District. In other words, most drivers entering midtown Manhattan or below will have to pay the toll, according to the board’s report.

All drivers of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles would be charged the toll. Different vehicles will be charged different amounts, which the review board detailed in their pricing plan recommendation:

• Passenger vehicles: $15
• Small trucks (like box trucks, moving vans, etc.): $24
• Large trucks: $36
• Motorcycles: $7.50

The $15 toll is about a midway point between previously reported possibilities, which have ranged from $9 to $23.

The full, daytime rates would be in effect from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. each weekday, and 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the weekends. The board called for toll rates in the off-hours (from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. on weekdays, and 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. on weekends) to be about 75% less — about $3.50 instead of $15 for a passenger vehicle.

Drivers would only be charged to enter the zone, not to leave it or stay in it. That means that residents who enter the CBD and circle their block to look for parking won’t be charged.

The board recommends only one toll be levied per day — so anyone who enters the area, then leaves and returns, will still only be charged the toll one time for that day.

It is important to note that those prices are, for now, just recommendations. The MTA board will still have to vote to approve the prices sent by the Traffic Mobility Review Board, which is an independent agency that is a partner with the transit authority.

The review board said that implementing their congestion pricing plan is expected to reduce the number of vehicles entering the area by 17%. That would equate to 153,000 fewer cars in that large portion of Manhattan.

Do Uber, Lyft and other rideshares get exemptions? What about taxis?

There will be exemptions in place for rideshares and taxis, but much to their chagrin, they won’t get away completely scot-free.

The toll will not be in effect for taxis, but drivers will be charged a $1.25 surcharge per ride. The same policy applies to Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers, but their surcharge will be $2.50.

New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai said in a statement that the plan is ” a reckless proposal that will devastate an entire workforce.”

Are there any other exemptions to congestion pricing tolls?

Many groups had been hoping to get exemptions, but very few will avoid having to pay the toll entirely. That small group is limited just to specialized government vehicles (like snowplows) and emergency vehicles.

Low-income drivers who earn less than $50,000 a year can apply to pay half the price on the daytime toll, but only after the first 10 trips in a month, according to the board’s report.

While not an exemption, there will also be so-called “crossing credits” for drivers using any of the four tunnels to get into Manhattan. That means those who already pay at the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel, for example, will not pay the full congestion fee. The credit amounts to $5 per ride for passenger vehicles, $2.50 for motorcycles, $12 for small trucks and $20 for large trucks.

Drivers from Long Island and Queens using the Queens-Midtown Tunnel will get the same break, as will those using the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Those who come over the George Washington Bridge and go south of 60th Street would see no such discount, however.

Public-sector employees (teachers, police, firefighters, transit workers, etc.), those who live in the so-call CBD, utility companies, those with medical appointments in the area and those who drive electric vehicles had all been hoping to get be granted an exemption. But the Traffic Mobility Review Board did not include any such exemptions for those groups.

So what comes next, and when will the tolls go into effect?

First, the MTA board will have to vote on the pricing recommendations. It’s not entirely clear when that vote will take place, though the board has two meetings before the end of 2023: On Dec. 6 and Dec. 20.

As for when it could go into effect, the MTA has maintained that the goal is to start charging the toll in late Spring 2024.

There had been fears of a toll as high as $23, but MTA Chairman Janno Lieber previously poured cold water on that idea, saying earlier in the year that MTA board members were “trying to keep it well lower than that.” He added that in order to keep the standard toll price low, the transit agency would have to keep the number of exemptions low as well.

But even with the lower recommended prices, local leaders from both sides of the political aisle were already looking to take legal action to prevent the congestion pricing plan from charging their constituents.

“It’s ripping off New Jersey commuters to pay for whatever financial hardships the MTA is facing. We’re considering all of our options, including further legal action,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

Gov. Murphy previously sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Board asking for drivers from his state to be exempt, arguing they shouldn’t have to pay for the toll to take the Holland and Lincoln tunnels or George Washington Bridge in addition to an extra fee to go into midtown Manhattan. He argued that toll price should count as a credit toward the fee, to ensure they are not having to pay twice.

New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in an effort to block congestion pricing. Staten Island has said it plans to sue the MTA over the plan as well.

“The recently-reported $15 toll to enter Manhattan below 60^th St is nothing short of complete highway robbery for the people of Staten Island. This could be one of the worst things to ever happen to Staten Island,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “We have said time and time again that all Staten Islanders, especially those who live near the Staten Island Expressway, will have to suffer with more air pollution and more traffic, not to mention this added tax to travel within their own city. For all this, Staten Islanders will see no return on the investment they’ll have no say in making.”

The New York City Council also held a hearing on the matter late over the summer. Transit President Richard Davey testified at that hearing, saying the revenue generated from the plan will help make NYC’s transit system state of the art — which will benefit everyone.

“That is what congestion pricing is going to buy, investment in our transit system. So we’re excited about taking this next step in the approval process,” said Davey.

It’s one of the biggest points of interest surrounding congestion pricing: How much will drivers have to pay, and who (if anyone) could get discounts?

There may finally be an answer soon.

The Traffic Mobility Review Board met Monday evening to decide on the controversial plan set to begin in late Spring 2024. It marks the final time the special panel will meet before announcing recommended toll rates.

The board said they were not looking to set a fixed price for the tolls, but rather presented four different scenarios that could occur. It remains to be seen what the price will be, but the board stated they will likely enact so-called “crossing credits” so that those who already pay at the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel, for example, will not pay the full congestion fee.

It was not clear how much the “crossing credits” would amount to, but it’s possible that drivers coming from New Jersey via the tunnels would get a break of around $4-$7 off their congestion toll, the board posited. Drivers from Long Island and Queens using the Queens-Midtown Tunnel could also get the same break, according to the board. Those who come over the George Washington Bridge and go south of 60th Street would see no such discount, however.

Another key detail from the meeting: The board mentioned charging double the rate of other automobiles, and full-size trucks would be charged triple. Both measures would be done to help the MTA hit its revenue target.

Overall, it appeared that few (if any) groups would be fully exempt from the toll.

While it is not clear what any of the prices will be, the toll is expected to be somewhere between $9-$23. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said that the goal is to keep it far below the higher amount.

“People talking about the $23, [the board members] are trying to keep it well lower than that. They’re trying,” said Lieber.

He added that one key factor in keeping the toll lower: having the number of exemptions low as well. But everyone from New Jersey residents to small business owners to cabbies have been hoping to win special exceptions and not have to pay the toll. 

congestion pricing Aug 18, 2023

NYC congestion pricing: Will some drivers get exemptions? Advisory board weighs in

congestion pricing Jul 24, 2023

Staten Island plans to sue MTA over congestion pricing plan after NJ announced lawsuit

congestion pricing Jul 21, 2023

NJ to sue Federal Highway Administration over NYC congestion pricing plan, Murphy says

“If you start giving out exemptions willy-nilly, the rest of the world goes up,” Lieber said.

The issue of exemptions and whether some people should pay more than others was also addressed at an earlier Traffic Mobility Board hearing in August. Some who drive for a living, such as truck drivers or cab drivers, said that congestion pricing is especially unfair for them.

“Uber and Lyft drivers have been taxed since 2019, and now they’re talking about adding a second tax. It’s not the drivers who decide to come into the city, it’s the passengers,” said Andrew Greenblatt, of the Independent Drivers Guild, during the August hearing.

The official pricing recommendations and exemptions will be announced later in October. An independent mobility panel will ultimately decide how much each driver is charged. Scanners along West End Avenue have been in place for weeks.

“The fairest thing is to keep the base toll as low as possible,” said Carl Weisbrod, the chair of the review board, who emphasized that exemptions will result in higher fares for everyone else. “As soon as we start giving exemptions here and exemptions there, then people have a claim of saying it’s not fair benefitting X as opposed to Y.”

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy previously sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Board asking for drivers from his state to be exempt, arguing they shouldn’t have to pay for the toll to take the Holland and Lincoln tunnels or George Washington Bridge in addition to an extra fee to go into midtown Manhattan. He argued that toll price should count as a credit toward the fee, to ensure they are not having to pay twice.

Lieber previously said Wednesday that the transit authority is on track to begin tolling drivers coming in to Manhattan below 60th Street in May 2024. That fits with the MTA’s plan of having congestion pricing begin in spring of next year, which they have maintained has been their target start date.

New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in an effort to block congestion pricing. Staten Island has said it plans to sue the MTA over the plan as well.

“If the sidewalks of the city are congested or crowded, does that mean we should have a walking tax to deal with the congestion on the sidewalks,” argued Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.

The New York City Council also held a hearing on the matter late over the summer, though no new ground was broken on who might get any possible exemptions — such as medical patients or those who live in areas without good public transit options. At the hearing, the City Council said they had received requests to exempt residents in certain areas, while also getting requests specifically not to exempt those same individuals.

Transit President Richard Davey testified at that hearing, saying the revenue generated from the plan will help make NYC’s transit system state of the art — which will benefit everyone.

“That is what congestion pricing is going to buy, investment in our transit system. So we’re excited about taking this next step in the approval process,” said Davey.

At a rally in support of the plan in August, advocates pointed to the other advantages.

“Buses will run faster, air will be cleaner, our streets will be quieter and calmer. And New Yorkers who rely on driving will spend less time stuck in traffic than ever before,” said Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives.

New York City continues to roll toward congestion pricing amid ardent support from some and despite fierce opposition from others, and now the MTA has a date in mind in which it will begin.

Chairman Janno Lieber said Wednesday that the transit authority is on track to begin tolling drivers coming in to Manhattan below 60th Street in May 2024. That fits with the MTA’s plan of having congestion pricing begin in spring of next year, which they have maintained has been their target start date.

What’s still not clear is how much it will cost, and who will be paying. Lieber said that the official pricing recommendations and exemptions are expected to be announced in October.

In August, a Traffic Mobility Board hearing addressed the issue of whether some people should pay more than others. Some who drive for a living, such as truck drivers or cab drivers, said that congestion pricing is especially unfair for them.

“Uber and Lyft drivers have been taxed since 2019, and now they’re talking about adding a second tax. It’s not the drivers who decide to come into the city, it’s the passengers,” said Andrew Greenblatt, of the Independent Drivers Guild, during the August hearing.

congestion pricing Aug 18, 2023

NYC congestion pricing: Will some drivers get exemptions? Advisory board weighs in

congestion pricing Jul 24, 2023

Staten Island plans to sue MTA over congestion pricing plan after NJ announced lawsuit

congestion pricing Jul 21, 2023

NJ to sue Federal Highway Administration over NYC congestion pricing plan, Murphy says

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy previously sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Board asking for drivers from his state to be exempt, arguing they shouldn’t have to pay for the toll to take the Holland and Lincoln tunnels or George Washington Bridge in addition to an extra fee to go into midtown Manhattan. He argued that toll price should count as a credit toward the fee, to ensure they are not having to pay twice.

New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in an effort to block congestion pricing. Staten Island has said it plans to sue the MTA over the plan as well.

“If the sidewalks of the city are congested or crowded, does that mean we should have a walking tax to deal with the congestion on the sidewalks,” argued Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.

As of now, it is not clear what the base fare to enter Manhattan’s central business district — a.k.a. anywhere south of 61st Street — will be set at, but it could be anywhere from $9 to $23 per trip. Scanners along West End Avenue have been in place for weeks, though the congestion pricing plan isn’t set to go into effect until Spring 2024.

“The fairest thing is to keep the base toll as low as possible,” said Carl Weisbrod, the chair of the review board, who emphasized that exemptions will result in higher fares for everyone else. “As soon as we start giving exemptions here and exemptions there, then people have a claim of saying it’s not fair benefitting X as opposed to Y.”

The New York City Council also held a hearing on the matter late over the summer, though no new ground was broken on who might get any possible exemptions — such as medical patients or those who live in areas without good public transit options. At the hearing, the City Council said they had received requests to exempt residents in certain areas, while also getting requests specifically not to exempt those same individuals.

Transit President Richard Davey testified at that hearing, saying the revenue generated from the plan will help make NYC’s transit system state of the art — which will benefit everyone.

“That is what congestion pricing is going to buy, investment in our transit system. So we’re excited about taking this next step in the approval process,” said Davey.

At a rally in support of the plan in August, advocates pointed to the other advantages.

“Buses will run faster, air will be cleaner, our streets will be quieter and calmer. And New Yorkers who rely on driving will spend less time stuck in traffic than ever before,” said Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives.

Nothing was decided at the Traffic Mobility Board hearing. An independent mobility panel will ultimately decide how much each driver is charged.

As the controversy regarding congestion pricing in New York City heightens, with the planned implementation less than a year away, drivers continue to debate: Who should pay, and how much?

That was the topic of Thursday’s hearing for the Traffic Mobility Board, which addressed the issue of whether some people should pay more than others. Some who drive for a living, such as truck drivers or cab drivers, said that congestion pricing is especially unfair for them.

“They kill my business, no more people take the yellow cab now,” said a taxi driver.

congestion pricing Jul 24, 2023

Staten Island plans to sue MTA over congestion pricing plan after NJ announced lawsuit

congestion pricing Jul 21, 2023

NJ to sue Federal Highway Administration over NYC congestion pricing plan, Murphy says

news Jun 27, 2023

New York Gov. Hochul Touts NYC as First U.S. City to Move Forward With Traffic Congestion Pricing

“Uber and Lyft drivers have been taxed since 2019, and now they’re talking about adding a second tax. It’s not the drivers who decide to come into the city, it’s the passengers,” said Andrew Greenblatt, of the Independent Drivers Guild.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy sent a letter on Thursday to the Traffic Mobility Board, asking for drivers from his state to be exempt, arguing they shouldn’t have to pay for the toll to take the Holland and Lincoln tunnels or George Washington Bridge in addition to an extra fee to go into midtown Manhattan. He argued that toll price should count as a credit toward the fee, to ensure they are not having to pay twice.

New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in an effort to block congestion pricing. Staten Island has said it plans to sue the MTA over the plan as well.

“If the sidewalks of the city are congested or crowded, does that mean we should have a walking tax to deal with the congestion on the sidewalks,” argued Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.

As of now, it is not clear what the base fare to enter Manhattan’s central business district — a.k.a. anywhere south of 61st Street — will be set at, but it could be anywhere from $9 to $23 per trip. Scanners along West End Avenue have been in place for weeks, though the congestion pricing plan isn’t set to go into effect until Spring 2024.

“The fairest thing is to keep the base toll as low as possible,” said Carl Weisbrod, the chair of the review board, who emphasized that exemptions will result in higher fares for everyone else. “As soon as we start giving exemptions here and exemptions there, then people have a claim of saying it’s not fair benefitting X as opposed to Y.”

The New York City Council also held a hearing on the matter, though no new ground was broken on who might get any possible exemptions — such as medical patients or those who live in areas without good public transit options. At the hearing, the City Council said they had received requests to exempt residents in certain areas, while also getting requests specifically not to exempt those same individuals.

Transit President Richard Davey testified at the morning hearing, saying the revenue generated from the plan will help make NYC’s transit system state of the art — which will benefit everyone.

“That is what congestion pricing is going to buy, investment in our transit system. So we’re excited about taking this next step in the approval process,” said Davey.

At a rally in support of the plan, advocates pointed to the other advantages.

“Buses will run faster, air will be cleaner, our streets will be quieter and calmer. And New Yorkers who rely on driving will spend less time stuck in traffic than ever before,” said Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives.

Nothing was decided at the Traffic Mobility Board hearing. An independent mobility panel will ultimately decide how much each driver is charged.

Staten Island is joining New Jersey in a legal fight against the Metropolitan Transportation Agency’s plan. Borough President Vito Fossella said Sunday he plans to sue to the MTA over the idea that would charge drivers as much as $23 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street.

Fossella said the toll will treat outer borough residents as tourists in their own city. The lawsuit would follow plans from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who announced Friday that he intended to sue the the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) over the plan, in a move he said was done in order to stand up for drivers.

“The problem is New Jersey’s not at that table. With all due respect to the MTA, a lot of our commuters are going to be the ones they’re looking to to solve their financial crisis. Which is unacceptable,” the governor said in a TV interview.

Fossella said that he supports Murphy’s lawsuit, but they will still be filing their own as well.

“We hope that New Jersey is successful in its efforts. Regardless, we plan to bring our own lawsuit,” said Fossella. “As many of you know, we don’t even have a subway system. So here we are, a car-dependent community that has been left out of every major decision the MTA laid out over the last 50-plus years. And now we are forced to pay an additional toll.”

congestion pricing May 15, 2023

NJ Lawmakers Hatch New Proposal to Fight Back Against NYC's Congestion Pricing Plan

news Jun 27, 2023

New York Gov. Hochul Touts NYC as First U.S. City to Move Forward With Traffic Congestion Pricing

New York City Jun 27, 2023

Manhattan drivers to pay extra tolls in effort to reduce congestion in first-in-nation plan

The MTA has long argued the additional tolls would raise nearly a billion dollars in revenue for the agency and ease traffic issues on city streets. Crews were seen last week installing scanners on Manhattan’s West Side, part of the MTA’s intentions to start charging drivers in parts of the island starting in midtown and heading south.

But Murphy says the plan would have a disastrous impact on New Jersey families. In announcing plans for a federal lawsuit, he argued the FHA should have conducted more studies into the impact congestion pricing would have on New Jersey, and that Garden State lawmakers should have had more of a chance to weigh in. Murphy also said the plan went ahead with a full environmental impact study.

“We would not be taking this legal action if we did not believe there was a real likelihood that we could call a timeout here, let’s do the full-bore study,” Murphy said. “And by the way, I’ll say publicly what I’ve said privately: we’ll live with the results. If they do the full study and it comes out in a way that doesn’t advantage us, then we’re going to have to figure it out.”

Fossella echoed those claims, saying that “in its own report, the federal government states that the air quality on Staten Island will get worse as a result of this plan.” He called the plan a “driving tax.”

Murphy added that the state can’t sue the MTA over congestion pricing until the plan is finalized, but didn’t rule out another lawsuit being possible, or even an injunction. As of now, there still isn’t anything set to go in place, as prices have not yet even been set yet.

Last week, the Traffic Mobility Review Board met for the first time on the proposed toll that could be as high as $23 during peak times. After the feds gave the plan the green light, MTA officials have said congestion pricing could go into effect as early as April 2024.

Murphy announced Friday morning that he is planning to sue the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) over the plan, in a move he said was done in order to stand up for drivers.

“The problem is New Jersey’s not at that table. With all due respect to the MTA, a lot of our commuters are going to be the ones they’re looking to to solve their financial crisis. Which is unacceptable,” the governor said in a TV interview.

congestion pricing May 15, 2023

NJ Lawmakers Hatch New Proposal to Fight Back Against NYC's Congestion Pricing Plan

news Jun 27, 2023

New York Gov. Hochul Touts NYC as First U.S. City to Move Forward With Traffic Congestion Pricing

New York City Jun 27, 2023

Manhattan drivers to pay extra tolls in effort to reduce congestion in first-in-nation plan

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has long argued the additional tolls would raise nearly a billion dollars in revenue for the agency and ease traffic issues on city streets. Crews were seen Friday morning installing scanners on Manhattan’s West Side, part of the MTA’s plan that would charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street.

But Gov. Murphy says the plan would have a disastrous impact on New Jersey families. In announcing plans for a federal lawsuit, he argued the FHA should have conducted more studies into the impact congestion pricing would have on New Jersey, and that Garden State lawmakers should have had more of a chance to weigh in. Murphy also said the plan went ahead with a full environmental impact study.

“We would not be taking this legal action if we did not believe there was a real likelihood that we could call a timeout here, let’s do the full-bore study,” Murphy said. “And by the way, I’ll say publicly what I’ve said privately: we’ll live with the results. If they do the full study and it comes out in a way that doesn’t advantage us, then we’re going to have to figure it out.”

Murphy added that the state can’t sue the MTA over congestion pricing until the plan is finalized, but didn’t rule out another lawsuit being possible, or even an injunction. As of now, there still isn’t anything set to go in place, as prices have not yet even been set yet.

Earlier this week, the Traffic Mobility Review Board met for the first time on the proposed toll that could be as high as $23 during peak times. After the feds gave the plan the green light, MTA officials have said congestion pricing could go into effect as early as April 2024.

The program could begin as soon as the spring of 2024, bringing New York City into line with places like London, Singapore, and Stockholm that have implemented similar tolling programs for highly congested business districts.

Under one of several tolling scenarios under consideration, drivers could be charged as much as $23 a day to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, with the exact amount still to be decided by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which is overseeing the long-stalled plan.

The congestion pricing plan cleared its final federal hurdle after getting approved by the Federal Highway Administration, a spokesperson for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Monday.

“With the green light from the federal government, we look forward to moving ahead with the implementation of this program,” Hochul, a Democrat, said in a statement following the federal announcement.

“It is chaos. Think about the pedestrians…it is dangerous for them,” Hochul said during a press conference related to the matter Tuesday. But all this concentrated activity, the vehicles sitting there idling because they cannot move. There are buses that are not moving. It’s also creating all this exhaust and emissions that people are breathing…We’re more cognizant of what is going into our lungs these days as we are experiencing the effects of the wildfires in Canada. What about the wildfires that are happening on our own streets right here coming out of the exhaust pipes of all these vehicles?”

Hochul said the state and MTA will “get this right” by taking their time and putting the message out to educate people on congestion pricing.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said at the joint press conference with Hochul that congestion pricing will mean “less traffic, better transit, cleaner air and safer streets,” saying it was a cause for celebration.

“We have a path away from conditions that really threaten our viability,” Lieber said.

U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15) said there are many benefits to congestion pricing.

“Congestion pricing would lead to as much a 20% reduction in the number of vehicles entering the Center Business District,” Torres said. “Less congestion, less pollution, fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It would improve public health and combat climate change. It’s a win for equity because it will benefit the lowest income communities of color. It’s going to benefit our essential workers.”

People headed into Manhattan already pay big tolls to use many of the bridges and tunnels connecting across the Hudson, East and Harlem Rivers. The special tolls for the southern half of Manhattan would come on top of those existing charges.

The new tolls are expected to generate another $1 billion yearly, which would be used to finance borrowing to upgrade the subway, bus and commuter rail systems operated by the MTA.

The state Legislature approved a conceptual plan for congestion pricing back in 2019, but the coronavirus pandemic combined with a lack of guidance from federal regulators stalled the project.

The plan has been sharply opposed by officials in New Jersey, where people bound for Manhattan by car could see costs of commuting skyrocket. Taxi and car service drivers have also objected, saying it would make fares unaffordable. Some MTA proposals have included caps on tolls for taxis and other for-hire vehicles.

On Monday, Sen. Bob Menendez introduced federal legislation to fight the city from moving forward, hoping to put the brakes on a project that nearly every Garden State lawmaker on either side of the political aisle has come out against.

Menendez, a Democrat, was heading back to D.C. right after a morning news conference at the George Washington Bridge, planning to propose a law that would take away New York’s Federal Highway Administration funding in retaliation for congestion pricing, which he says is an attempt to close New York’s budget holes by asking New Jersey drivers to pay up.

congestion pricing May 12, 2023

NYC Congestion Pricing Plan Includes Toll Cuts for Taxis, Night Drivers

congestion pricing May 5, 2023

Congestion Pricing in NYC Gets Fed Approval, Final Call Likely Weeks Away

congestion pricing Jan 19, 2023

Lawmakers Join Forces in Bipartisan Effort Against Congestion Pricing in NYC

“It’s the very definition of taxation without representation,” Menendez said. “It’s a blatant attempt by New York and the MTA to make up for their budget shortfall by squeezing every dollar out of out of state residents.”

Menendez is appealing to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to consider the broader impact of congestion pricing on New Jersey. And he’s promised to try to pass a law that would ensure New York loses as much money in federal highway funding as it would gain in tolls collected from drivers.

New Jersey drivers fear they will be charged twice to drive to Midtown: Close to $20 to cross the Hudson River, and then again up to $23 to drive south of 60th Street.

“It’s already expensive as it is with inflation, adding more to it on a day-to-day thing, cost of living, I think that’s ridiculous,” said Myra Cordon, who drives into the city.

If the MTA plan is adopted, commercial vehicles could be charged upwards of $80 to drive into midtown.

“Pricing inflation is so hard for small business owners, there isn’t a day that goes by when a small business owner doesn’t share a story about how hard it is to stay in business,” said Jim Kyrgos, of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce.

Gov. Phil Murphy and the state’s economic development group began running billboard ads near the Hudson River crossings on Monday, encouraging people to avoid the congestion tax by moving their families and their companies to New Jersey.

In response to Menendez’s proposed law, the MTA said in a statement that ““The idea of penalizing the MTA for taking steps invited and approved by the federal government is slightly absurd.”

Logistics of the congestion tax are still being worked out. Another sticking point for New Jersey’s congressional delegation is that their state didn’t have a seat at the negotiating table for a decision that impacts so many drivers hey represent.

Motorists driving Manhattan’s most congested streets can expect a deep overnight discount when a projected toll takes effect next year.

Late-night drivers entering the borough below 60th Street (coined the Central Business District) will be charged at least 50% less between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m.; it’s one of several measures included in the state’s environmental assessment released to the public on Friday.

New York’s congestion pricing plan is nearing the finish line as a 30-day public notice period kicks off, leaving the final determination on the state’s highly-anticipated and long-debated congestion pricing plan only weeks away. At the end of the public review, the Federal Highway Administration will give the final green light.

The new toll rate, expected as early as next spring, has yet to be determined — that decision will fall on the MTA Board over the next year. But the assessment provides the first preview of a few discounts offered to drivers once tolling starts.

Environmental justice efforts included in the assessment would provide a 25% discount to low-income drivers (those who make less than $50,000 a year) after completing 10 trips in a calendar month — those 10 trips don’t include overnight charges. Nearly $50 million has been earmarked for the driver discount program.

In a boon for taxis and other rideshare operators, tolls will only be charged for those drivers once per day.

There are many who want a discount, but it will be up to the MTA Board to determine who gets one — and for how much.

“As you can imagine, over 100 groups have said ‘Give me a discount or exemption.’ That’s not possible, but [the board] will have to weigh that,” said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber.

congestion pricing Jan 19, 2023

Lawmakers Join Forces in Bipartisan Effort Against Congestion Pricing in NYC

congestion pricing Sep 22, 2022

Even With Congestion Pricing, MTA Consultant Predicts Gridlock at Dozens of Key Intersections

congestion pricing Aug 25, 2022

Hundreds Sound Off at 1st Public Meeting Over Controversial Congestion Pricing Plan

The MTA has long argued that congestion pricing is essential to their bottom line and would net them $1 billion annually. Revenue from the plan would be used to back borrowing for capital improvements to the MTA’s subway and bus systems.

New York’s Legislature approved a conceptual plan for congestion pricing in 2019 and it was initially projected to be in place in 2021. But the pandemic and a lack of guidance from federal regulators on the type of environmental review that was required combined to stall the project. 

The next step? A 30-day public notice period begins before a final determination on the plan. If no roadblocks pop up between now and then, drivers could start paying more as early as next year.

Federal approval is expected in June, which would begin a 310-day countdown toward starting a toll that would range from $9 to $23 for entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. The MTA Board would determine who gets an exemption and which corners or lampposts get the license plate readers.

The plan has plenty of nay-sayers. A Lyft spokesperson called the plan an “infeasible logistical nightmare.” A big-time bipartisan pushback effort, backed by lawmakers on both sides of the Hudson River, has sought to stop drivers from paying more to get into town.

Some lawmakers in New Jersey have said the plan is unfair because motorists already pay tolls at bridges and tunnels to enter New York, and the money from congestion pricing won’t be used to improve public transit in New Jersey. Some motorists paying tolls to enter Manhattan from New Jersey are expected to receive discounts or be exempt.

New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who called it “absurd double taxation at its finest,” said that the federal approval doesn’t mean the plan is set in stone — or a good idea.

“Not only will it lead to more congestion and more traffic, but it will completely devastate commuters,” he said.

Last week, a group of New Jersey lawmakers wrote to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, urging her to suspend implementation of the congestion pricing plan.

“New Jersey commuters already pay a $17 toll when they cross the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels, almost double the toll paid on the bridges connecting Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. As a result, this congestion price would uniquely double tax New Jerseyans and result in our constituents paying upwards of $40 just to get to work every day,” Representative Mikie Sherrill, and half a dozen other lawmakers, wrote.

“At a time when families across the Northeast are already dealing with rising prices and high costs of living, this added tax on simply getting to work is unacceptable.”

New details from a recent MTA financial plan suggest drivers would not see the start of congestion pricing until April 2024, at the earliest. But already there are some who predict traffic in certain spots will get worse if drivers avoid Manhattan. As a result, the MTA has promised to kick in $15 million dollars on clean air projects to offset whatever pollution they create.

The federal government has given the green light on New York’s plan to implement the long-debated, highly-anticipated plan to become the first U.S. city to charge motorists an extra fee for entering its most congested area.

On Friday afternoon, the Federal Highway Administration submitted a “letter of sufficiency” for plan from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the city’s Department of Transportation, approving of the environmental review.

The MTA’s pricing plan has been discussed for more than a decade now. It’s the plan that could charge drivers, many of whom coming from New Jersey, as much as $23 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. The pricing plan has yet to be implemented.

“We are optimistic the time has arrived for congestion pricing,” said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber. “New York is the number one most congested place in the U.S. Ambulances can’t get to hospitals, firetrucks to fires. We have to do something.”

The practice is commonly referred to as congestion pricing and has been used in cities including London, Singapore and Stockholm. In New York, motorists entering Manhattan below 60th Street would be charged a toll electronically.

The MTA has long argued that congestion pricing is essential to their bottom line and would net them $1 billion annually. Revenue from the plan would be used to back borrowing for capital improvements to the MTA’s subway and bus systems.

“Our shared vision for congestion pricing will reduce traffic, improve air quality in our communities, and raise critical finding for our subways and buses,” said city DOT spokesperson Nick Benson. “This approval marks a significant step forward, and we will continue working with our partners at the city, state, and federal level to advance this nation-leading program and deliver a safer, healthier, more equitable city.”

congestion pricing Jan 19, 2023

Lawmakers Join Forces in Bipartisan Effort Against Congestion Pricing in NYC

congestion pricing Sep 22, 2022

Even With Congestion Pricing, MTA Consultant Predicts Gridlock at Dozens of Key Intersections

congestion pricing Aug 25, 2022

Hundreds Sound Off at 1st Public Meeting Over Controversial Congestion Pricing Plan

New York’s Legislature approved a conceptual plan for congestion pricing in 2019 and it was initially projected to be in place in 2021. But the pandemic and a lack of guidance from federal regulators on the type of environmental review that was required combined to stall the project. 

Implementing the plan has been on hold pending a final approval from the Federal Highway Administration, whose job it is to issue a ruling on the environmental assessment. If the agency had not given the green light, further study would have been needed through an environmental impact statement.

Published last August, that statement provided a fairly in-depth look at the workings of the congestion pricing plan, its proposed scenarios and who could be charged under its rules. The seven different plan proposals in the assessment all planned to cap tolling at once per day for personal vehicles, motorcycles and commercial vans; others could be charged more than once.

Late Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation sent a letter to transportation officials in Albany and Manhattan, paving the way for the final stretch-run for the pricing plan. That letter says that federal officials have signed off on the assessment submitted last week.

The next step? A 30-day public notice period begins before a final determination on the plan. If no roadblocks pop up between now and then, drivers could start paying more as early as next year.

Federal approval could come in June, which would being a 310-day countdown toward starting a toll that would range from $9 to $23 for entering Manhattan south of 60th Street.

The plan has plenty of nay-sayers. A big-time bipartisan pushback effort, backed by lawmakers on both sides of the Hudson River, sought to stop drivers from paying more to get into town.

Some lawmakers in New Jersey have said the plan is unfair because motorists already pay tolls at bridges and tunnels to enter New York, and the money from congestion pricing won’t be used to improve public transit in New Jersey. Some motorists paying tolls to enter Manhattan from New Jersey are expected to receive discounts or be exempt.

New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer said that the federal approval doesn’t mean the plan is set in stone — or a good idea.

“Not only will it lead to more congestion and more traffic, but it will completely devastate commuters,” he said.

Ahead of Friday’s approval, a group of New Jersey lawmakers wrote to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, urging her to suspend implementation of the congestion pricing plan.

“New Jersey commuters already pay a $17 toll when they cross the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels, almost double the toll paid on the bridges connecting Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. As a result, this congestion price would uniquely double tax New Jerseyans and result in our constituents paying upwards of $40 just to get to work every day,” Representative Mikie Sherrill, and half a dozen other lawmakers, wrote.

“At a time when families across the Northeast are already dealing with rising prices and high costs of living, this added tax on simply getting to work is unacceptable.”

New details from a recent MTA financial plan suggest drivers would not see the start of congestion pricing until April 2024, at the earliest.

A big-time bipartisan pushback is taking place against congestion pricing in Manhattan.

Lawmakers on both sides of the Hudson River that say they are going to introduce legislation that prohibits drivers from paying more to get into town.

An anti-congestion tax being introduced Thursday by U.S. representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) would prohibit the U.S. Department of Transportation from awarding any new capital investment grants to MTA projects in New York City until drivers from all New Jersey and the outer boroughs crossings into Manhattan would get exemptions from any congestion tax.

At the same time, it would also change the U.S. Tax Code to offer commuters a federal tax credit at the end of the year that would be equal to the amount they paid in congestion tax.

The MTA’s congestion pricing plan has been discussed for more than a decade now. It’s the plan that would charge drivers, especially from New Jersey, $23 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. The pricing plan has yet to be implemented.

The MTA has long argued that congestion pricing is essential to their bottom line and would net them $1 billion annually.

Chief of External Relations for the MTA John McCarthy said in part: “Surely from his time in Albany, Congressman Lawler is aware that congestion pricing is established New York State law. Anyone serious about the environment and reducing gridlock understands that congestion pricing is good for the environment, good for getting fire trucks, buses, and delivery vehicles through the city, and good for the 90% of people who depend on mass people who depend on mass transit.”

The anti-congestion tax announcement is already getting pushback not only from the MTA, but New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said that congestion pricing is still on its way to taking place. She said it will protect the environment and fund the MTA — even as elected leaders threaten to freeze those funds.

“We’re not deterred by the sideshows may be happening elsewhere,” Hochul said.

The plan — to charge drivers who move their vehicles south of 60th Street — would almost certainly trigger an overall decrease in the region’s traffic and air pollution. But some fear a handful of neighborhoods could actually see gridlock increase.

Since the FDR Drive, West Street, and roads north of 60^th Street would be toll-free, drivers seeking to avoid paying the congestion fee could pile onto nearby blocks — burdening the people who live and work on the immediate outskirts of the toll zone.

congestion pricing Aug 25, 2022

Hundreds Sound Off at 1st Public Meeting Over Controversial Congestion Pricing Plan

congestion pricing Aug 24, 2022

NYC Moving Ahead With Congestion Pricing Toll Plan: Here's What It Looks Like

“The streets are not going to be able to handle all that re-routing,” said Stacey Sosa, owner of Estancia 460, an Argentinian bistro on Greenwich Street, sandwiched between the Holland Tunnel on-ramp and exit ramps.  Under congestion pricing, Sosa fears her block could be overrun with toll-averse drivers as they try to make a b-line for West Street, which is free.

“Having the experience of a quiet neighborhood is very rare in New York City, so that will not be fun if the traffic starts going down Greenwich Street,” Sosa said.

Concerns like Sosa’s aren’t just theoretical.  

WSP, the consultant behind significant portions of the MTA’s congestion pricing Environmental Assessment, studied traffic on either side of Central Park to estimate how drivers north of 60^th Street might change their traffic patterns — impacting individual blocks on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side. 

In a map published within the 860-page document, WSP concluded the transverse roads going through Central Park would see mostly improved traffic flow under congestion pricing. But there were more than 20 blocks to the east or west of the park predicted to see traffic delays increase by 10 percent or more.

WSP also studied 102 other key intersections in and around the toll zone, predicting 19 of them would function at Level of Service Grade “F”. According to the Transportation Research Board 2010 Highway Capacity Manual, grade “F” denotes streets where operations have broken down, where demand exceeds capacity, or where most users would consider the road unsatisfactory. Those F-graded intersections, according to the MTA, include:

• Canal Street & Holland tunnel On-Ramp
• West Street & Chambers Street
• 126^th Street & 2^nd Avenue
• E 36^th Street & 2^rd Avenue
• E 34^th Street & 3^rd Avenue
• E 34^th Street & 2^nd Avenue
• E 60^th Street & 3^rd Avenue
• E 79^th Street & 5^th Avenue
• W 79^th Street & Riverside Drive
• W 55^th Street & West Side Highway
• W 65^th Street & Central Park West
• Flatbush Avenue & Tillary Street (Brooklyn)
• Adams Street & Tillary Street (Brooklyn)
• Pulaski Bridge / 11^th Street & Jackson Avenue (Queens)
• 21^st Street & 49^th Avenue (Queens)
• Van Dam Street & Borden Avenue (Queens)
• 21^st Street & Queens Plaza N (Queens)
• Hoyt Street N & 31^st Street (Queens)
• 31^st Street & Astoria Blvd (Queens)

Luigi Russo, who owns Il Postino, an Italian restaurant on E 61^st Street, said he fears toll-avoiding drivers may overrun his block, making sidewalk dining far less pleasant for his customers. 

“It’s a lose-lose situation,” Russo said.  “I think the best thing is to make traffic in the city flow.  Let it be.”

WSP did not return calls and messages seeking comment.

In an email to the I-Team, the MTA conceded there could be increased traffic at some locations around Central Park.  But the agency stressed most streets around the park would experience improved overall speeds.  The MTA added that most of the 19 intersections predicted to receive an “F” grade on traffic flow – would get that same grade even in the absence of congestion pricing. 

“Congestion pricing reduces congestion and an overwhelming number of intersections throughout the region will see an improvement with reduced traffic and pollution under this program,” said Joana Flores, an MTA spokesperson.

The MTA says measures are already planned to reduce delays on roads that might see more toll-avoiding drivers.  The strategies include re-timing traffic lights to allow more crosstown traffic through each cycle.

Liam Blank, Policy and Communications Manager for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a group supporting congestion pricing, said the city should also consider issuing residential parking permits  – so drivers don’t try to dump their vehicles on the streets just outside the toll zone. 

Blank conceded there could be additional headaches for drivers, businesses, and residents who border the toll zone, but he said New Yorkers shouldn’t forget the whole point of congestion pricing is to de-incentivize the use of motor vehicles, thereby reducing harmful greenhouse emissions and pushing people toward more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.

“The less convenient it is to drive, the longer there are delays on those chokepoints – I think the more likely it is people will find alternative means of traveling,” Blank said.

Tolls collected from congestion pricing are estimated to produce up to $1 billion a year to help fund the MTA’s capital plan and modernize the city’s public transit system.  If approved in Washington and Albany, drivers could begin paying the congestion fee as early as the end of next year or early 2024.