New York imposes first ever congestion pricing plan in U.S.

A congestion pricing plan covering Lower and Midtown Manhattan in New York took effect on Sunday, making the New York City the first U.S. city to implement such a plan.

Vehicles will be tolled once a day for entering the congestion relief zone with the amount depending on the type of vehicle, time of day, whether any crossing credits apply, and the method of payment with discounts and exemptions applicable to certain drivers or vehicles, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said in a statement posted on the official website.

During rush hours, namely 05:00 to 21:00, on weekdays, cars and light commercial vehicles will be charged 9 U.S. dollars. The fee will drop to 2.25 U.S. dollars during regular time period.

For New York City taxis and rideshare vehicles that either enter, exit, or travel within the congestion zone, the fare will be passed on to passengers, ranging from 0.75 to 1.50 U.S. dollars. The plan also offers discounts for low-income drivers, while vehicles for individuals with disabilities, emergency vehicles, buses, and certain government vehicles will be exempt from the fee.

The tolls would be adjusted upward in 2028 and 2031 as regulators phase out 40 percent of discounts offered at the beginning.

It is estimated that the congestion pricing plan would drive down the number of vehicles entering the congestion relief zone by 10 percent. The MTA is expected to add one billion U.S. dollars of revenues each year to fund its capital spending plan of as much as 15 billion U.S. dollars, according to the MTA statement.

New York imposes first ever congestion pricing plan in U.S.

New York imposes first ever congestion pricing plan in U.S.

New York imposes first ever congestion pricing plan in U.S.

New York imposes first ever congestion pricing plan in U.S.

New York imposes first ever congestion pricing plan in U.S.

Xinjiang in northwest China has put up a variety of colorful folk activities across its silver-blanketed land to draw tourists for its winter carnivals for the new year.

In Xuedu or Snow Capital Village, of Altay City, the traditional sport of sheep scramble, also known as the "competition of the brave," is a highlight of the local New Year celebrations. The game features strong and agile riders vying to snatch sheep on horseback across the snow. The riders' breathtaking horsemanship and teamwork win cheers and applauses from the audience.

Peng Zonggang, a resident of Altay, shared his excitement after watching the game.

"Our herdsmen seem to be born with this free style of relaxation. When they whipped the horse and rode swiftly right in front of me, I felt completely overwhelmed," said Peng.

The village also delights visitors with its culinary offerings. Various locally produced beef and mutton were placed in the market, while the activities culminate at the contest of savoring stewed-sheep-head. The following bonfire further extends the fun beyond daytime. People sing and dance around the blazing bonfire, joyfully celebrating the new year together.

Baicheng County in southern Xinjiang's Aksu Prefecture is also bustling with colorful folk activities, immersing everyone in the region's vibrant culture.

"From these activities, I could feel the folks' passion for their customs and culture. This is a brand-new experience of folk customs for me," said Huang Jingxiang, a tourist from southwest China's Chongqing.

Another tourist, Adila Abula, also shared her impressions.

"Here we saw contests on the snow like tug-of-war, wrestling and horse racing. And the equestrian performance was specifically amazing and thrilling, exhilarating all of us," she said.

Xinjiang celebrates new year with colorful folk activities