MTA pushes back start date of congestion pricing two weeks to June 30

The program, which was approved by the New York state Legislature in 2019, is supposed to raise $1 billion per year to fund public transportation.

Matt Trapani and Amanda Lee

Apr 26, 2024, 9:24 PM

Updated 170 days ago

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has pushed back the start day for its congestion pricing plan two weeks to June 30. The original date was scheduled for June 15.
Most drivers who enter Manhattan south of 60th Street during daytime hours will have to pay an additional $15. Tolls will be higher for larger vehicles and lower for nighttime entries into the city as well as for motorcycles.
The program, which was approved by the New York state Legislature in 2019, is supposed to raise $1 billion per year to fund public transportation for New York City’s 4 million daily riders.
New Jersey residents and lawmakers have been opposed to this plan from the start, and have called it a “cash grab” on the backs of New Jersey drivers.
Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer have filed a federal lawsuit against the Federal Highway Administration. The suit claims the agency’s approval of the plan was “misguided” and violates the National Environmental Policy Act.
If congestion pricing goes forward, it will begin at 12:01 a.m. on June 30. The first drivers will be charged the late-night fee of $3.75. The $15 toll will take effect at 9 a.m.
Low-income drivers can apply for a congestion toll discount on the MTA website, and disabled people can apply for exemptions.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.