NYC's $9 Congestion Toll to Start January 5, Aiming to Fund Mass Transit Amid Environmental Concerns

Dec 30, 2024, 11:14 PM

New York City's congestion pricing plan is set to commence at midnight on January 5, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) following a federal judge's ruling in Newark. The ruling addressed a lawsuit filed by New Jersey challenging the plan's environmental impact, but did not issue an injunction to halt the toll's implementation. The toll, set at $9 for passenger vehicles during peak hours from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, aims to reduce traffic congestion in Manhattan south of 60th Street. Despite New Jersey's contention that the ruling prevents the toll from starting, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber stated that the decision does not interfere with the scheduled implementation. New York Governor Kathy Hochul hailed the decision as a 'massive win for commuters,' noting a reduction in the originally proposed $15 toll to $9. The plan includes exemptions for emergency vehicles, school and commuter buses, and discounts for low-income drivers and those with disabilities. The revenue from the toll is expected to fund mass transit improvements.