NYC Congestion Pricing Begins Sunday: How Much Will Drivers Pay To Enter Midtown And Downtown Manhattan?

In New York City, congestion pricing will begin this Sunday, Jan. 5. The initiative, long debated, has drawn mixed reactions. Proponents argue it will ease traffic congestion, while critics claim it is a profit-driven move by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

How NYC Congestion Pricing Will Work

Starting Sunday, drivers entering south of 60th Street in Manhattan will pay $9. Small trucks will be charged $14.40, and large trucks will pay $21.60, according to The New York Times. Rates will be discounted during nighttime hours. Ride-share and taxi drivers will face lesser impacts, with fees of $1.50 for Uber and Lyft rides and 75 cents for taxis.

“Congestion pricing will finally tackle the gridlock that is slowing down emergency vehicles, polluting air and wasting people’s time in traffic,” said John J. McCarthy, the MTA’s chief of policy and external relations, according to the news outlet.

Why Is NYC Implementing Congestion Pricing?

New York City was named the most congested city in the world in 2023 by transportation analytics firm INRIX, beating Mexico City, London, and Paris. Supporters believe this policy is a necessary step to address gridlock and improve air quality.

Critics Challenge NYC Congestion Pricing

Opponents argue the policy won’t reduce traffic and unfairly penalizes drivers from outside Manhattan. “This is just simply a misguided policy,” said Ed Day, the Rockland County executive.

Legal challenges abound, with at least 10 lawsuits filed to halt the program. Plaintiffs include Staten Island Borough President Vito J. Fossella, United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew, and the Trucking Association of New York.

On Friday, New Jersey filed an injunction citing potential environmental impacts on the state, but a judge denied the motion.

Political History of NYC Congestion Pricing

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo first introduced congestion pricing in the 2019 state budget. Initially slated to begin in June 2023, the plan was delayed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who cited concerns about its impact on New York City’s economy. The program was revived in November with a 40% toll reduction.

“This raises serious questions about fairness, priorities, and accountability,” Day said in his lawsuit.