MTA hosts informational sessions on congestion pricing, offers tips on saving money

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Dec 5, 2024, 10:06 PM

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Updated 50 days ago

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Mark your calendar if you're commuter who drives into New York City - congestion pricing begins in one month.

To help, the MTA is hosting eight online informational sessions about how drivers can save some money.

Starting Jan. 5., those who drive in lower Manhattan will have to pay a daily $9 fee if they enter between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Overnight drivers will get a savings. The fee drops to $2.25.

It's a plan the MTA says will result in $80,000 fewer vehicles every day.

The goal is to reduce traffic in the city, provide money to upgrade the subway and bus system and improve air quality.

There are other important tips, which the MTA has been laying out in a series of eight webinars:

Drivers are not charged for trips within the zone or for leaving the zone - only entering.
There is a Low-Income Discount Plan. It allows commuters earning $50,000 or less to save 50% during peak hours. New Jersey residents can apply but will need to apply for a New York E-ZPass for this discount.
People with disabilities can apply for an exemption.
There’s a crossing credit of $3 for anyone using the Lincoln, Holland or Queens Midtown Tunnel.
To be eligible for any discounts, the MTA says drivers must have an E-ZPass.

And just importantly, E-ZPass tags must match the license plate on the car that's being driven.

There are five more webinars planned between now and Dec. 19.