Engaging in a journey towards Manhattan will incur expenses, as a fresh congestion toll is set to commence on Sunday.
The fee, often referred to as traffic congestion pricing, is designed to alleviate the congestion in the heavily populated urban area while also providing funding to improve the deteriorating public transportation system.
Speaking after a court hearing that paved the way for the implementation of the charges, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair and CEO Janno Lieber stated that after spending five years studying the issue, it's evident that New York City has a serious traffic problem, especially in midtown Manhattan.
According to Lieber, the aim is to facilitate easier travel for drivers who prefer vehicles or are forced to commute via car within the city.
The toll amount depends on the time of day and whether drivers possess an E-ZPass, an electronic toll collection device widely used across several states. Most E-ZPass holders will incur a $9 charge to enter Manhattan south of Central Park from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. During off-peak hours, the charge will be $2.25.
Existing tolls for bridge and tunnel crossings will also be applicable, although commuters utilizing certain tunnels to enter Manhattan during peak hours may receive a credit of up to $3.
Republican President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to eliminate the program once he assumes office, but there is uncertainty whether he will follow through. The implementation of the program was delayed during his first term as it awaited a federal environmental review.
In November, Trump, whose Trump Tower falls within the toll zone, expressed concerns that congestion pricing would place New York City at a disadvantage compared to rival cities and states, potentially leading to businesses fleeing the area. He also viewed the program as a significant financial burden and inconvenience for commuters.
Several worldwide cities, such as London and Stockholm, have similar congestion pricing laws, but this is the first instance in the United States.
The implementation, which was initially scheduled for last year with a $15 charge, was temporarily halted by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul before the 2024 election in suburban regions surrounding the city, which were considered crucial for her party's bid to regain control of Congress.
In the wake of the election, Hochul resumed the plan at a reduced toll of $9. She dismisses political motives and maintains that the original $15 charge was excessive, despite having been an ardent supporter of the program before its suspension.
The program also survived various lawsuits aiming to block its implementation, including a late attempt by the state of New Jersey to impede it through a temporary judicial injunction. A New Jersey Governor's Office representative, Natalie Hamilton, stated in an email that they would persist in combating this "unfair and unpopular scheme."
The business community in New York City, including various businesses situated within the toll zone, has expressed concerns about the potential impact of congestion pricing on their operations. The implementation of the traffic congestion pricing system is intended to generate revenue for improving the public transportation system, thereby supporting local businesses by alleviating traffic congestion.
