Congestion Pricing

Jun 06, 2024

Update: November, 2024

Congestion Relief Zone tolling begins January 5.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul has lifted the pause on NYC’s congestion pricing, set to begin January 5, 2025. The plan will charge drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street, starting at $9 for E-ZPass users during peak hours, and aims to reduce traffic while generating $15 billion for critical transit upgrades. Adjustments include lower tolls, income-based discounts, and exemptions, while opposition and lawsuits challenge implementation. Federal approval is expected soon. Please see recent articles for an update: 

  • NYC Congestion pricing tolls to launch Jan 5. What you need to know. Gothamist, 11/14/24
  • Hochul to revive congestion pricing in January with lower tolls, NY1 article, November 2024
  • What you need to know about NYC congestion pricing, NY1 article, 11/17/24



The toll amount will depend on the type of vehicle, time of day, whether any crossing credits apply, and the method of payment. For example, passenger vehicles with E-ZPass entering the Congestion Relief Zone at 60 Street will be charged $9 in the peak period and $2.25 overnight, once daily. Visit our website for more details on toll rates.

E-ZPass is the best and cheapest way to pay the toll. Most drivers will be able to pay with their existing E-ZPass tag and account.

If you already have an E-ZPass account, make sure it is up to date with your current license plate number as this will be needed for appropriate discounts, exemptions, and crossing credits.

If you do not have an account, you can sign up for one on the E-ZPass website.

Feb. 9, 2025

Congestion Pricing 

A month into NYC’s congestion pricing program, and Fast Company and the NYT are reporting that traffic in Manhattan’s busiest areas has dropped significantly, leading to faster commutes for many. While  tough oppose remains, early data shows congestion pricing is cutting gridlock, speeding up commutes, and shifting more people to transit.

Key Takeaways:

  • One million fewer vehicles have entered the congestion zone since the program’s launch on January 5.

  • Major routes like the Holland Tunnel and Williamsburg Bridge have seen travel times improve by up to 59%.

  • Bus riders are saving time—weekday ridership is up 6%, weekends up 21%.

  • Commuters from New Jersey and outer boroughs report buses "flying" through reduced traffic, saving 10–25 minutes per trip.

  • Subway ridership has grown—7.3% more on weekdays and 12% more on weekends.

  • Some commuters, especially from New Jersey and the outer boroughs, report saving 20-45 minutes per trip.

Outstanding Issues: 

  • Travel times have slowed in some Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens neighborhoods, as well as parts of New Jersey.

  • Opposition remains strong, with lawsuits pending and Trump threatening to end the program.

Sources: Congestion Pricing Results Are Mixed but Some Commutes Improve (NYT); A million cars have disappeared: What NYC is like after one month of congestion pricing (Fast Company);NYC Congestion Pricing Is Showing Results. Will Trump Shut It Down? (Newsweek)

 

 

Gov. Kathy Hochul's abrupt cancellation of Manhattan's congestion toll left a $1 billion annual gap in the MTA's budget, prompting her to propose a payroll tax increase on NYC businesses from 0.6% to 0.825%. This option faced significant opposition from Senate Democrats and was rejected by state lawmakers. The Legislature extended its session to address the unanticipated $1 billion gap and is considering a proposal to commit $1 billion IOU to the MTA in the next budget without specifying the funding source. The impact of this proposal on the MTA's ability to finance infrastructure projects is still being assessed. Lawmakers must identify a sustainable revenue stream by the 2025 session.

This is an unfolding story. We will update the Website as more information becomes available.

Sources: Gothamist NY Lawmakers Considering $1B IOU after Gov. Hochul’s Congestion, Pricing Flip-flop,  Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol, NY Focus Hochul in Hiding as Congestion Pricing Hangs by a Thread, Official Gov. Statement

DENIED: Hochul’s Fails in Bid to Toss Pro-Congestion Pricing Suits Out of Court, StreetsBlog NYC article, September 2024

Congestion Pricing Update July, 2024

The MTA unveiled a scaled-back plan for the transit system after Governor Hochul paused the congestion pricing plan, which was set to fund $15 billion in improvements. The MTA will now focus on essential maintenance rather than expansion projects like the Second Avenue Subway and Brooklyn-Queens light rail, as well as much-needed plans to make 23 more subway stations accessible to people with disabilities (despite a 2022 legal settlement that 95% of the nearly 500 subway and Staten Island Railway stations be made compliant by 2055).

The decision to delay congestion pricing has sparked outrage among officials and advocates, who argue it undermines environmental and transportation goals. Many of them spoke at a rally and at the MTA Board meeting in Lower Manhattan on June 26 (photos from the rally below).

Restore Congestion Pricing!

Gov. Hochul's last-minute decision to indefinitely table the Congestion Pricing plan has sparked outrage among constituents who saw it as a beneficial measure for the environment, traffic reduction, and public transportation improvements. Despite its many flaws, Hochul's decision is short-sighted, and non-action negatively impacts public transit users, the disabled, and residents suffering from car and noise pollution. The plan promised $1 billion annually for public transit improvements but now leaves the MTA facing a financial crisis and the Central Business District with worsening traffic. 

Take action:

Source: DNWSG: NY League of Conservation Voters

 

Articles 2024

New York Magazine: "What Made Kathy Hochul Flip? Inside the governor’s sudden U-turn on congestion pricing"

Politico: "JuneNew York City transit advocates, left-leaning pols look to sue over congestion pricing delay" 

The Philadelphia Inquirer: "How a fearful, feckless Democrat became America’s worst* governor"

Village Sun: "Traffic plan jam: Governor Hochul slams brakes on congestion pricing" 

CNN: "NY Gov Hochul delays controversial NYC congestion pricing plan ‘indefinitely’"

New York Times: Gov. Hochul’s Unwarranted Retreat on Congestion Pricing

New York Times:"Kathy Hochul Just Upended a Lot More Than Congestion Pricing"

New York Times: "Hochul's Payroll Tax is no Substitute for Congestion Pricing"

NY Focus: "Hochul in Hiding as Congestion Pricing Hangs by a Thread"

 

More information to come....

Starting June 30, 2024, vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan—local streets and avenues at or below 60 Street—will be charged a toll.  SEE NEW CONGESTION PRICING WEBSITE HERE.

The toll amount will depend on the type of vehicle, time of day, whether any crossing credits apply, and the method of payment. For example, passenger vehicles with E-ZPass will be charged $15 in the peak period and $3.75 overnight, once daily. Visit the MTA website for more details on toll rates. 

E-ZPass is the best and cheapest way to pay the toll. Most drivers will be able to pay with their existing E-ZPass tag and account. If you already have an E-ZPass account, make sure it is up to date with your current license plate number as this will be needed for appropriate discounts, exemptions, and crossing credits. If you do not have an account, you can sign up for one on the E-ZPass website.

For more information, please see the press release HERE regarding the Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP)  - a/k/a Congestion Pricing

Applications for Discount and Exemption Plans Now Available Online

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