Heading to Manhattan? Expect a Fee as New Congestion Toll Begins Sunday

NEW YORK—The new toll for drivers entering Manhattan’s central district was introduced on Sunday, requiring many to pay $9 for access to the busiest areas of the city during peak hours.

This toll, which is a part of the congestion pricing initiative, aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the heavily populated city while generating funds for its struggling public transit systems.

“We’ve been examining this issue for five years, and it only takes about five minutes of being in midtown Manhattan to recognize that New York faces serious traffic challenges,” said Janno Lieber, Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, during a press briefing following a court hearing that paved the way for the tolls.

“We need to simplify travel for those who opt to drive or need to drive around the city.”

The charge for drivers varies depending on the time of day and whether they possess an E-ZPass, an electronic toll collection system used across multiple states.

Typically, drivers with E-ZPasses will incur the $9 fee for entering Manhattan south of Central Park on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. During off-peak hours, the toll will be reduced to $2.25.

This fee comes on top of the charges that drivers already pay for using various bridges and tunnels to enter the city; however, drivers can receive a credit of up to $3 if they have already used certain tunnels during peak times.

On the first morning after the toll was implemented, traffic flowed smoothly at the northern perimeter of the congestion zone located at 60th Street and 2nd Avenue. Many drivers seemed unaware that the new cameras, positioned along a steel gantry above the roadway, would be imposing a $9 fee.

“Are you serious?” exclaimed Chris Smith, a Somerville, New Jersey resident, as he drove against traffic beneath the cameras, thus avoiding the charge. “Whose idea was this? Kathy Hochul? She should be held accountable for her ignorance.”

Phil Bauer, a surgeon residing just above 60th Street, expressed hope that the initiative would help reduce the congestion and constant honking associated with the nearby bridge linking Manhattan and Queens.

“I think it’s a good idea to experiment with reducing traffic volume and encouraging public transportation use,” he stated. “The Queensboro Bridge situation is quite overwhelming.”

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to eliminate the program upon taking office, though it remains uncertain if he will follow through. This initiative faced delays during his first term while awaiting a federal environmental assessment.

In November, Trump, whose Trump Tower is located within the toll area, argued that congestion pricing “will disadvantage New York City in comparison to competing cities and states, causing businesses to leave.”

“This isn’t just a hefty tax for incoming drivers; it also poses significant inconveniences from both driving and personal bookkeeping perspectives,” he added. “The congestion tax will hinder New York City’s recovery.”

Similar congestion pricing policies have been adopted in other major global cities, including London and Stockholm, marking this as the first instance in the United States. Advocates of this initiative point out that such programs initially faced resistance but gained acceptance as people recognized the benefits.

Even among some transit riders in New York City, there was skepticism about a plan designed to generate essential funds for the subway system.

“Based on my experiences with the MTA and how they have previously allocated funds, their track record is quite poor,” remarked Christakis Charalambides, a fashion industry supervisor, while waiting for a subway in Lower Manhattan. “I remain unconvinced until I see tangible results.”

The toll was initially intended to start last year with a charge of $15, but Gov. Kathy Hochul paused the initiative abruptly before the 2024 elections when congressional races in suburban regions, which opposed the plan, were deemed crucial for her party’s chances to regain control of Congress.

Shortly after the election, Hochul revived the plan with a lowered $9 toll. She refutes claims that political motivations factored into her decision, stating that she believed the original $15 toll was excessive, despite her previous vocal support for the program.

Congestion pricing also overcame various lawsuits aimed at blocking the initiative, including a final attempt by the state of New Jersey to secure a temporary injunction against it. Natalie Hamilton, a spokesperson for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, stated in an email on Saturday that they would “continue to resist this unfair and unpopular initiative.”

By Jake Offenhartz