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.