NYC congestion pricing begins: Here's how much it will cost drivers

New York’s Staten Island — The last few months have seen a great deal of misunderstanding surrounding congestion pricing, which has been made worse by a new price structure and a delayed start.

Prior to the plan’s June halt, the majority of passenger cars would have had to pay $15 to enter the Congestion Relief Zone’s surface roadways (CRZ).

Governor Kathy Hochul advocated for a 40% toll reduction from the original plan earlier this year when the contentious tolling scheme was revived in November.

The governor claims that despite the 40% fee reduction, the MTA will still be able to borrow loans for capital projects, saving daily commuters some $1,500 a year.

The charge that drivers must pay to enter the CRZ varies according on the type of vehicle and the time of day.

Drivers with E-ZPass will pay the following during the day, which is defined as 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends:

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

In early January, drivers without E-ZPass should anticipate paying even more. If a driver chooses Tolls by Mail, motorbikes will pay $6.75 and passenger cars will pay $13.50.

Before congestion pricing goes into effect next month, here are some additional things drivers should be aware of.

Congestion pricing is back

Indeed. Hochul formally restored congestion pricing for New York City in the middle of November.

The governor explained her early resistance to the program during the press conference announcing this decision as a worry about the program’s high cost for working New Yorkers.

What is congestion pricing?

Congestion pricing is the practice of charging cars to access specific Manhattan locations, known as the Congestion Relief Zone, during rush hour. This seeks to lessen traffic jams and generate funds for improvements to public transit.

The program’s proceeds will be used to finance approximately $15 billion in capital projects for the city’s deteriorating transit infrastructure.

What is the Congestion Relief Zone?

The Central District Business Tolling Program will be established by the MTA’s Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority as part of the $175 billion state budget that was passed on April 1, 2019.

Travelers who drive into Manhattan’s Congestion Relief Zone—which is any place south of 60th Street, excluding some local highways—will be charged a fee.

When will this start?

Governor Kathy Hochul said the plan will officially begin at midnight on Sunday, January 5.

The program’s numerous cameras will then activate and start charging drivers a daily fee via the Tolls by Mail program or E-ZPass.

Overnight hours

During overnight hours, which are Monday through Friday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and on weekends from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., toll charges will be reduced.

Hochul also stated that in order to promote more deliveries in the city at night, she intends to reduce tolls by 75% overnight.

As a result, motorbikes will pay $1.05 and passenger cars with E-ZPass will pay $2.25 to enter the CRZ overnight.

Will tolls increase?

Although the toll has been reduced, the MTA recently disclosed that it may be increased as early as 2028 and again in 2031.

Passenger car tolls might increase to $12 as early as 2028 and eventually to $15 as early as 2031, which was the toll’s initial price prior to Holcul pausing the initiative in June.

Crossing credits

Crossing credits against the toll will be provided to drivers who enter the CRZ through the Queens-Midtown, Hugh L. Carey, Holland, or Lincoln tunnels.

However, cars will now receive crossing credits that are 40% less than the initial plan because of the lowered toll.

Drivers entering the CRZ through the Holland and Lincoln tunnels will be credited $3, while those entering through the Brooklyn-Battery or Queens-Midtown tunnels would be credited $1.50.

Discounts & Exemptions

After their first ten monthly travels, drivers earning less than $50,000 annually will be eligible for a 50% discount on the regular toll for all crossings.

Emergency vehicles and those transporting individuals with disabilities will not be subject to the program, as previously mandated by state law. Residents who live in the CRZ and make less than $60,000 will be eligible for tax credits.

For those who are unable to use transit due to disability or medical issues, the MTA will also provide discounts.You may read more about discounts here.

Transportation alternatives

Hochul stated that the MTA will be expanding service on at least 23 bus lines in conjunction with Thursday’s announcement, with a particular emphasis on increasing the frequency of trips for the outer boroughs.

Earlier this year, on the same day that the program originally began, four Staten Island express bus routes were chosen for additional service. The SIM1C, SIM4C, SIM23, and SIM24 are among them.

Additionally, the BM2 and BM5 lines in Brooklyn were chosen.

The MTA will soon choose the remaining 17 routes.

The Outer Borough Transportation Account, established and fully funded by the transit authority to give $50 million annually to enhance transportation outside of Manhattan in anticipation of congestion pricing, will provide the financing for this additional service.