The MTA board voted and approved toll rates for a new congestion pricing program, the first of its kind in the U.S. Through this program, MTA hopes to reduce traffic in Manhattan and raise funds to improve mass transit across New York City. Here’s what you need to know about the new tolls:
- The toll will be $15 for most passenger cars entering Manhattan anywhere below 60th Street. This zone is being referred to as the Manhattan’s “Central Business District” (CBD).
- Trucks will be charged between $24-$36, depending on size. Motorcycles will pay $7.50.
- These tolls will apply to vehicles entering Manhattan using any of the bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge.
- Drivers entering Manhattan using any of the four tunnels will get a “crossing credit” against the new tolls; once you have paid the tunnel fee, you will not pay the full congestion fee.
- There will be no fees for leaving the zone or driving around within it.
- Through traffic on the FDR and the West Side Highway will not be tolled, unless drivers exit anywhere below 60th Street.
- The $15 toll is in place from 5am-9pm on weekdays and from 9am-9pm on weekends. Tolls will be discounted 75% overnight ($3.75 for a passenger car, for example).
- There will be a $1.25 surcharge for taxis and a $2.50 surcharge for Uber, Lyft, etc. This is less than the $15 toll for passenger cars because congestion fees were already put in place on for-hire vehicles back in 2019. The surcharge applies to any ride that begins, ends or takes place within the zone, and there are no nighttime discounts.
- You can only be charged the toll once per day. Even if a driver enters the zone, then exits and returns, they will only be charged once.
- Discounts are available to low-income drivers who make less than $50,000/year. Eligible drivers can apply to receive 50% off the toll, but only after the first 10 trips in a month.
- There will be exemptions for government vehicles (including emergency vehicles, garbage trucks, etc.) and DOE school buses.
The new tolls could take effect as soon as mid-June. The Federal Highway Administration is currently reviewing the program. There are also a handful of lawsuits against it, which will be heard in April and May. However, the MTA does not expect the program to be blocked.
Updated: March 27, 2024.
