NYACK, NY – The NYS Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has approved New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to implement congestion pricing in Manhattan, marking the first such initiative in the United States. Scheduled to take effect on January 5, the plan introduces a $9 daytime toll for passenger vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street, with the aim of reducing traffic, improving air quality, and generating funds for mass transit improvements.
Congestion Pricing: A Long-Awaited Decision
The plan, initially proposed years ago, had been delayed amid political and logistical challenges. Governor Hochul revived the initiative last week, emphasizing its necessity for bolstering New York City’s transit infrastructure. The MTA estimates that the congestion fee will cut daily vehicle entries into Manhattan’s central business district by at least 80,000, alleviating traffic in one of the nation’s most congested areas.
Proceeds from the tolls are expected to support $15 billion in debt financing for critical subway and bus upgrades. The toll structure will also include discounts for nighttime travel and capped daily charges, with trucks and buses facing higher fees of up to $21.60. App-based rideshares like Uber and Lyft will see surcharges of $1.50 per trip in the zone.
The toll structure: From $9 for commuters to $21.60 for large trucks
The toll structure will be tiered, based on vehicle size, and purpose. The full list of pricing is available on the NYS website.
- Daytime E-ZPass tolls
- Passenger vehicles (once per day): $9
- Motorcycles (once per day): $4.50
- Small trucks and non-commuter buses: $14.40
- Large trucks and sightseeing buses: $21.60
- Tunnel crossing credits reduced by 40 percent of original plan
- Nighttime discounts of 75 percent of daytime tolls
- Per-ride fees for all trips to, from, or within the CBD
- Taxis and black cars: $0.75
- App-based for-hire vehicles: $1.50
Local Concerns from Rockland County
The decision, however, has sparked frustration among residents of Rockland County, many of whom rely on personal vehicles for their commutes to Manhattan. A significant factor is the perceived inadequacy of public transportation options in the area.
Joan, a Nyack resident, expressed her discontent:
“I live in Rockland and work in the city. We have very poor public transportation here. Buses don’t run late at night, and Metro-North requires either driving over the bridge (with tolls) or taking a bus for an additional expense. This new toll makes it not worth going to work.”
Lisa from North Rockland voiced her concerns about the financial strain on families dealing with medical emergencies:
“Many people travel to the city for hospital visits. Years ago, when my brother was undergoing treatment at Sloan Kettering, this fee would have been an added burden during an already challenging time. I hope exemptions will be considered for such cases.”
Another resident, Daniel, highlighted the need for financial accountability within the MTA:
“Before implementing new tolls, how about an independent audit of the MTA? There’s also the issue of unequal access to toll-free benefits, such as ‘orange’ EZ Passes for top officials, while lower-level city employees must pay like everyone else.”
A Model with Mixed Reactions
Proponents of the plan have pointed to the success of similar initiatives in cities like London, where congestion pricing has been in place since 2003. Governor Hochul stated that the new revenue will be critical for improving the city’s transit systems, which have suffered from underinvestment and growing ridership demands.
Yet, local residents and commuters argue that the plan places a disproportionate financial burden on suburban counties like Rockland, where public transportation alternatives are limited and commuting by car is often a necessity. Advocacy groups are calling for expanded exemptions, improved transit options, and greater transparency in the MTA’s financial operations.
Awaiting Federal Approval
While the MTA gears up for the January implementation, the plan still requires final approval from the U.S. Transportation Department. Court challenges also loom, potentially delaying the rollout further.
As the debate intensifies, the question remains: Can congestion pricing strike a balance between easing Manhattan’s traffic woes and addressing the concerns of suburban commuters?