A Guide To The NYC Congestion Pricing Plan: Everything New Yorkers Need To Know
The controversial NYC congestion pricing plan is officially here.
If you’re wondering how this new traffic law will affect our congested city (and your commute), we broke it all down for you.
NYC congestion pricing plan
Governor Kathy Hocul reinstalled the NYC congestion pricing plan for the Central Business District (CBD) — 60th Street in Manhattan and below — after the efforts were stalled in June 2024. However, the price for drivers will be lowered from the initial $15 to $9.
“I believe that no New Yorker should have to pay a penny more than absolutely necessary to achieve these goals, and $15 was too much,” Governor Hochul said in a press meeting on November 14th, 2024. “I am proud to announce we have found a path to fund the MTA, reduce congestion and keep millions of dollars in the pockets of our commuters.”
Congestion pricing NYC: when does it start?
The plan will start January 5, 2025.
How much does it cost?
For working their way through the Central Business District (CBD), 60th Street in Manhattan and below, the tolls will cost $9 during peak hours (weekdays from 5am to 9pm and weekends from 9am-9pm) and $2.50 during off-peak hours.
According to the MTA, the toll fee is set to increase to $12 in 2028 and $15 in 2031.
What are the goals for congestion pricing in NYC?
There are a few reasons why the governor is hoping to implement the plan: to eliminate traffic, to improve air quality throughout the city, and potentially raise $1 billion annually for the MTA to make the necessary repairs and adjustments to subways, commuter trains, and buses.
“We’re still getting the $15 billion to fund the MTA and drivers are paying $6 less. This lower toll will still allow us to accomplish all — and I mean all — of the goals of congestion pricing: new modern signals, the long-awaited Second Avenue subway, new electric busses, elevators, and this will generate major investments for our suburban commuters as well,” Governor Hochul said.
NYC congestion pricing hours
The tolls will cost $9 during peak hours (weekdays from 5am to 9pm and weekends from 9am-9pm) and $2.50 during off-peak hours.
NYC congestion pricing exemptions
The FDR Drive, West Side Highway/Route 9A and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connections to West Street are all exempt.
Per reports, cars, trucks, and motorcycles will be charged the toll, but different types of vehicles will be charged different amounts. During off-peak hours from 9pm to 5am, there will be a $2.25 charge on weekdays and 9am-9pm on weekends.
Alternate routes
Crossing credits, or $3 discounts from the MTA, will be available for E-ZPass drivers that venture to NYC through the Lincoln, Holland, Queens-Midtown or Hugh L. Carey Tunnels.
Additionally, January 5th also marks the day the bridges and tunnel tolls between NYC and New Jersey increase, and we have all the details about costs and routes.
Be sure to also have a look at Secret NYC’s guide to all of the brand-new traffic laws going into effect in NYC in 2025.
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