A Guide To The NYC Congestion Pricing Plan: Everything You Need To Know
It’s been a busy week, and the NYC congestion pricing plan has been a top issue for the Empire State.
On Thursday, November 14th, New York Governor Kathy Hocul provided an update on what to expect when traveling throughout our congested city. Here’s what she proposes — and what’s next.
NYC congestion pricing plan
Governor Kathy Hocul plans to reinstall 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,” Hochul said in a press meeting on November 14th. “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.”
The majority of vehicles will be charged once per day, but initial plans said that rideshares and taxis would be charged per trip.
Congestion pricing NYC: when does it start?
The plan will start in January 2025. However, there are a few steps that need to happen before things gets underway:
- The MTA will have to vote on the price adjustment in November 2024 during a board meeting
- The new plan will have to undergo federal review
- Scanners need to be tested before the program’s start date in January
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 added during the press event.
Not everyone is for these efforts, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
“All of us need to listen to the message that voters across America sent last Tuesday, which is that the vast majority of Americans are experiencing severe economic strains and still feeling the effects of inflation,” he said in a statement. “There could not be a worse time to impose a new $9 toll on individuals who are traveling into downtown Manhattan for work, school, or leisure.”
NYC congestion pricing hours
The hours would be 5am to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 9pm on weekends. The board called for toll rates in the off-hours to decrease about 75% less.
NYC congestion pricing exemptions
Per reports, cars, trucks, and motorcycles will be charged the toll, but different types of vehicles will be charged different amounts.
The post A Guide To The NYC Congestion Pricing Plan: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Secret NYC.