Congestion Pricing Updates

UPDATE: POST 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION:

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

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)

MTA’s Congestion Relief Zone tolling webinars

The MTA is hosting eight public webinars during the first three weeks of December where people can learn about Congestion Relief Zone tolling.

 

The 60-minute webinars will explain how the Congestion Relief Zone works, how the program benefits the region, discounts and exemptions, and what people need to know before tolling begins on Sunday, January 5. The sessions will also feature a Q&A.

 

Participants must register online prior to the start of the session(s) they wish to attend. Use these links to register for a session:

Congestion Relief Zone tolling begins January 5.


On November 14, 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a phased-in approach to New York’s Congestion Pricing program, which was previously on pause. Today, the MTA Board approved this plan. Now, Congestion Relief Zone tolling will begin on Sunday, January 5, at midnight.

When tolling begins, vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan—local streets and avenues at or below 60 Street—will be charged a toll.

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.