New York City Congestion Pricing Revealed

Photo byScott WebbonUnsplash

New York City officials are considering mandating a $15 toll for drivers entering Manhattan's central business district. This toll would be collected electronically for passenger vehicles entering south of Manhattan's 60th Street during the day. Under the plan, small trucks would be charged $24; their larger counterparts would pay $36.

There would be a 75% discount overnight and a $5 rebate for cars entering from the nearby tunnels.

Emergency vehicles and vehicle transporting passengers with disabilities will be exempt. Lower income drivers, those making below $50,000, will receive a 50% discount after 10 rides.

The plan, unveiled on Thursday by New York officials, will be the first of its kind in the United States though similar plans are in place in London and Stockholm.

The move has prompted a lawsuit by neighboring New Jersey, describing the move as a "misguided scheme" that will bring in billions for the city at the expense of increased traffic and air pollution in New Jersey.

Governor Phil Murphy said, “This massive increase in tolls would mean hundreds of dollars a month for families that need that money for essentials. And the environmental cost is anathema to our shared obligation to protecting vulnerable communities from hazardous air quality. The bottom line is that we have to put our foot down to protect New Jerseyans.”

New York's MTA is discussing the plan this month. The Congestion Pricing could be put into effect as early as this spring.