Congestion pricing in NYC begins tomorrow: What you need to know
NEW YORK (PIX11) – Starting Sunday drivers will pay new congestion pricing fees when they pass through Midtown or Lower Manhattan.
There are multiple goals for congestion pricing, including easing traffic in crowded areas of the city, reducing emissions, and raising money for the MTA.
Here’s everything you need to know about pricing, toll locations, discounts, and more:
Where will congestion pricing be implemented?
Drivers will be automatically charged when they turn onto local streets and avenues at 60th Street and below.
How much will it cost?
During peak hours, E-ZPass drivers will pay $9 or $13.50 by mail. Peak hours run from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
Off-peak fees will cost E-ZPass drivers $2.25 or $3.30 if you pay by mail.
Are there any exemptions?
The FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel are all excluded from the toll. Once drivers turn off these roads and onto local streets below 60th, the toll is charged.
Are there any discounts?
Passengers in taxis, green cabs, and black cars will be charged 75 cents no matter the time of day.
Passengers in rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft will pay $1.50.
The MTA will offer credits of up to $3, for E-ZPass drivers that enter the city via the Lincoln, Holland, Queens-Midtown, or Hugh L. Carey Tunnels.
Additionally, there are multiple discount plans such as the low-income discount plan, the low-income tax credit for residents, disability exemptions, emergency vehicle exemptions, bus exemptions, and specialized government-owned vehicle exemptions. For more information on these discounts and how to apply for them, click here.
What about legal challenges?
A federal judge denied New Jersey’s request for a temporary restraining order to stop congestion pricing on Friday. The attorney for the State of New Jersey, Randy Mastro, said he would appeal the decision.
This story is comprised of reporting from Emily Rahhal, Greg Mocker, and Matthew Euzarraga.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.