NYC charging drivers money to enter Manhattan below park

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After years of debate and legal battles, New York City is set to implement its controversial congestion pricing plan, which will charge drivers entering Manhattan’s central district starting Sunday.

The initiative, designed to combat traffic congestion and environmental pollution while generating funds for public transportation, will take effect just after midnight on January 5th.

.@GovKathyHochul: "We’re saving you 40%" by starting to charge $9 to enter Manhattan instead of $15 as we originally planned; "this lower toll will save daily commuters nearly $1,500 annually." pic.twitter.com/rOWLY963j8

— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) November 16, 2024

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The plan has faced significant opposition from those who view it as an unfair financial burden on motorists who already contribute to road maintenance through existing taxes and fees.

The toll zone encompasses Manhattan’s busiest area below Central Park. The fee structure varies based on timing and whether drivers use E-ZPass, an electronic toll collection system common across multiple states.

During peak hours – weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. – drivers of standard vehicles with E-ZPass will pay a daily rate of $9. The fee reduces to $2.25 during off-peak nighttime hours.

Those without E-ZPass face higher charges, with peak-hour rates at $13.50 and overnight fees at $3.30, billed through mail.

The pricing system extends beyond private vehicles to affect ride-sharing services and taxis. Passengers using these services within, to, from, or through the designated Congestion Relief Zone will incur additional charges. Traditional taxi and black car passengers will pay a 75-cent surcharge, while Uber and Lyft users face a $1.50 fee per trip.

Get Out Of New York

New York City new “congestion pricing” will go into effect January 5th. You will now be charged just to drive your car

– Manhattan charge is $9 from 5 am to 9 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 9 pm on weekends
– Outside these peak times, the toll is reduced to… pic.twitter.com/BfxmkwXj9S

— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) December 28, 2024

Initially, the plan included a steeper $15 toll, but Governor Hochul suspended its implementation earlier this year, citing excessive costs. She introduced the current reduced-fee version in November, shortly after President-elect Trump’s victory, despite his pledge to block the initiative upon taking office January 20th.

“I have great respect for the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, and look forward to working with her to Make New York and America Great Again. But I strongly disagree with the decision on the congestion tax,” Trump told the *New York Post* in an interview last November.

Local Republican opposition remains strong, with Congressman Mike Lawler, representing a district north of NYC, requesting Trump’s intervention to “ending this absurd congestion pricing cash grab once and for all.”