With less than a month to go before the Metropolitan Transit Authority rolls out its congestion pricing program in New York City, motorists should know exactly what they’ll be driving into come Jan. 5, 2025.
NYC’s congestion pricing program is the first of its kind in the nation, and was first proposed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2019.
What is congestion pricing?
The congestion pricing toll is designed to discourage cars from entering the Congestion Relief Zone, which encompasses some of the busiest parts of Midtown and Lower Manhattan.
The initiative aims to reduce gridlock traffic, improve air quality and raise nearly $15 billion in revenue to revamp NYC public transportation programs by charging vehicles entering most parts of Manhattan below 60th Street a $9 toll.
According to the MTA, over 700,000 vehicles enter the Manhattan Central Business District, which is included in the Congestion Relief Zone, every day.
“New Yorkers lose 117 hours on average sitting in traffic every year, costing them nearly $2,000 in lost productivity and wasted time,” said the MTA on their Congestion Relief Zone website. “For drivers, congestion pricing will reduce traffic and make it easier to get to, from, and around the Congestion Relief Zone.
“Congestion pricing means fewer cars on the road,” the MTA said. “So those who still need to drive will have faster trips and spend less time in traffic.”
NYC congestion pricing map:See where toll will impact commuters, alternate route info
How much is the congestion pricing toll in NYC?
Gov. Hochul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams reintroduced congestion pricing following the 2024 election, which prices the toll at $9 (reduced from an initial rollout toll of $15.) The toll is set to increase to $12 in 2028 and then to $15 in 2031.
A $15 starting price on tolls, which were set to increase every year until 2030, was approved by the MTA board in March and was set to begin in June. However, several lawsuits from union groups, citizens and various elected officials, including New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Rockland County Executive Ed Day successfully pushed Hochul to call for a temporary pause on the initiative.
The new starting price of $9 for the toll was approved by the MTA on Nov. 18.
At a press conference held Monday, Dec. 16, in New City, Day took Hochul to task calling the congestion pricing toll a “daily tax” for residents in Rockland.
“In reality, it is no more than a $15 daily tax on people who simply want to get to work and provide for their families,” Day said. “That’s what this is all about. It is even more shameful to see Gov. Hochul try to play constituents as utter fools by touting that we should be thankful she’s saving us money … In her mind, somehow she’s saving us money by taking less but eventually getting to more. Only in government.”
Rockland:County Executive Ed Day attacks Hochul for backing ‘daily tax’ congestion pricing toll
Where is the congestion pricing zone in NYC?
Of interest:Can you avoid NYC congestion pricing? And other frequently asked questions
Are any highways in NYC not impacted by congestion pricing?
The following routes are not included in the congestion pricing plan:
- FDR Drive through Manhattan
- Route 9A/West Side Highway through Manhattan
- Battery Park underpass that connects the FDR Drive with Route 9A
- Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connections to West Street
Contributing: Lohud’s Nancy Cutler and the New York State Team’s Tom Zambito
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