Congestion Goes Into Effect in Lower Manhattan, Here Is How Much You Will Pay
Brooklyn — Just after midnight, Sunday, toll cameras went on as New York’s “congestion pricing” went into full effect in Lower and Midtown Manhattan, after a judge declined to stop it.
The toll — which is based on similar schemes in major cities in Europe and Asia — came into New York State Law on April 1st 2018 as part of the budget. After years of delays it was set to go into effect in June 2024 with a $15 toll during peak times, but just as the MTA was working on implementing it Governor Kathy Hochul pulled the plug. Congestion pricing opponents celebrated the end. Advocates slammed the Governor for pulling the plan, as they viewed it to save face in the election season.
Just after the election season, Hochul announced the plan was back on track, with a toll reduction to $9 during peak times, pushing it through the State and Federal agencies, to go into effect on January 5th.
As previously reported MTA and New Jersey bickered on who was the victor after a federal judge gave an ambiguous ruling whether congestion pricing can go into effect. The ruling seemingly rejected New Jersey’s claims and found that New York took the necessary steps to enact the congestion pricing plan. However, the judge also ordered federal transportation officials to review and further explain some aspects of the program.
During a Friday afternoon hearing in Newark, just hours before the controversial plan for Manhattan was set to go into effect, the judge ruled against granting a temporary restraining order that the state had filed.
Attorney for the State of New Jersey Randy Mastro reacted to the decision. Arguing “The judge found that the Federal Highway Administration acted arbitrarily and capriciously in approving the MTA’s plan and that insufficient environmental mitigation commitments were made to New Jersey. We will continue to fight for the people of New Jersey by seeking emergency relief from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.”
New Jersey said it would file its appeal to the judge’s decision. However, the congestion pricing plan went into effect at midnight Sunday and is here to stay—unless a court or federal legislation stops it.
The Jewish Community Reacts
A Williamsburg resident who travels twice weekly to Kriyas Yoel and Monsey told Shmooze.News that the toll will cost him an additional $20 to $30 a week. “This [toll] is ridiculous, why am I paying more for traveling on the roads I already pay for!”
Another Lakewood resident with family in Queens and Manhattan estimates visiting the city will cost him extra each time. “If i was in Newark I could take the train. But there is no transit between Lakewood and NYC!”
“Safety and security on public transportation MUST be our number one priority!” said Boro Park Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein after a woman was burned alive in the Subway last month. “NO to congestion pricing before our government fulfills its fundamental duty to provide a secure and reliable transit system.”
Rockland/Hudson congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY) slammed the toll as a cash grab by Hochul, “[They] have decided that rather than fixing the unbelievable waste, fraud, and abuse at the MTA, they’re going to tax the hell out of working New Yorkers instead. Congestion pricing is a corrupt cash grab, and the fact that Governor Hochul is literally celebrating it shows what little regard she has for hard-working New Yorkers already struggling to make ends meet.”
Full pricing details
New York State will introduce a Congestion Relief Zone Toll. The proposed start date is January 5, 2025. By law, the first 60 days, only the established tolls will be collected. There will be no additional fees, charges, or fines.
Drivers will be charged a toll on their E-ZPass once per day when they enter the Congestion Relief Zone. This includes streets in Manhattan below 60 Street.
The toll does not apply to:
- FDR Drive
- West Side Highway
- Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connecting to West Street
However, you will be tolled if you exit from an excluded roadway onto a street within the CBD. If you live in the CBD, you can apply for the Low-Income Tax Credit.
Tolls vary by vehicle and the time of day. The peak period toll rate will apply from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. All other times, drivers will be charged off peak toll rate.
| Type of Vehicle | Peak | Off Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger and small commercial vehicles (Sedans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and small vans) |
$9 | $2.25 |
| Motorcycles | $4.50 | $1.05 |
| Trucks and buses | $14.40 – $21.60 | $3.60 – $5.40 |
Trucks and buses will pay toll depending on their size and function during both peak and off-peak hours.
Taxis and For-Hire Vehicles
Taxis and for-hire vehicles whose companies or bases are enrolled in the Per-Trip Charge Plan will be charged a per-trip toll, paid by the passenger.
- Green and yellow taxis and black cars: $0.75 per trip
- App-based for-hire vehicles: $1.50 per trip
This toll is separate from the State congestion surcharge for some taxis and for-hire trips entering Manhattan South of 96 Street.
Crossing Credits
Vehicles using a valid E-ZPass will get a credit to reduce Congestion Relief Zone Tolls when entering:
- Lincoln Tunnel
- Holland Tunnel
- Queens-Midtown Tunnel
- Hugh L. Carey Tunnel
| Type of Vehicle | Credit up to: |
|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicle | $3 |
| Motorcycles | $1.50 |
| Small trucks and charter buses | $7.20 |
| Large trucks and tour buses | $12 |
No crossing credits will be offered overnight. Tolls will be reduced by 75% from the peak tolls.
Exemtions
Some vehicles will be exempt from the Central Business District (CBD) Tolling program. These include:
- Qualifying authorized emergency vehicles (ambulances and fire vehicles)
- Qualifying vehicles transporting people with disabilities
- Specialized government vehicles
- School buses contracted by the NYC Department of Education
- Commute vans licensed by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission
- Buses providing scheduled commuter services open to the public
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