New York Governor Kathy Hochul is reviving the city’s congestion pricing plan, which would toll drivers entering Manhattan’s busiest sector. In June, Hochul abruptly halted the program, shortly before tolling was set to begin. But with President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to kill congestion pricing his first week in office, the governor has renewed the plans with a reduced $9 rate for passenger cars entering the borough below 60th Street. The MTA board approved the revised plan and will increase tolls gradually over the next six years, with the base rate rising to $12 in 2028 and reaching the originally proposed $15 by 2031.
There are a few steps remaining before congestion pricing can kick off. Following their vote, the MTA will conduct a 60-day public education campaign. New York officials are also racing to get federal approval from the Federal Highway Administration (a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation) before Trump’s inauguration. If the plan is enacted, tolls would begin at midnight on January 5, 2025.
Under the revised program, extra per-ride surcharges would begin at 75¢ for taxis and black cars, $1.50 for Ubers and Lyfts, $4.50 for motorcycles, $14.40 for small trucks and charter buses, and $21.60 for large trucks and tour buses. Eligible low-income drivers would receive a 50% discount after their 10th toll each month. Tolls would apply to vehicles entering Manhattan by bridge, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge, as well as any of the four tunnels.
The congestion pricing program continues to face major opposition, including nine lawsuits filed in New York and New Jersey. Although tolls have been reduced by 40%, critics still complain that tolls will unfairly strike commuters who must enter the congestion zone for work.
The new tolls are expected to raise $15 billion for the city’s public transit system. Upgrades would include installing new elevators subway stations, adding hundreds of new electric buses with more service to outer boroughs, extending the Second Avenue Subway, and more. In addition to these much-needed repairs and improvements, the plan also promises to reduce traffic and lessen air pollution in Manhattan.
Watch Governor Hochul’s full announcement here.
Updated: November 18, 2024.
