The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved New York City’s pioneering congestion pricing scheme, marking a step toward implementing the first initiative of its kind in the United States.
The board voted to approve the congestion toll on Wednesday, March 27th, and vehicles will soon be required to pay a toll of at least $15 to enter the heart of Manhattan, specifically areas below 61st Street, while trucks will face higher charges.
This move, expected to kick off following a two-month public awareness campaign coupled with a month-long testing phase, aims to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and inject much-needed funds into the city’s beleaguered transit system.
David Mack, representing Nassau County, was the lone board member to oppose the proposal during Wednesday’s vote.
The board’s decision finalizes the details of exemptions and “clarifications” to the congestion plan initially approved last year, setting the stage for toll collection to commence as early as June 15th.
Despite the potential for legal challenges, MTA officials are optimistic about moving forward with the congestion toll without hindrance.
The approval echoes the board’s previous consensus in December, emphasizing the congestion scheme’s potential to generate millions for the aging transit infrastructure by levying charges on drivers entering a significant portion of Manhattan.
The MTA posted on X, “It’s a historic day: Today, the MTA Board voted to approve the toll rates for the nation’s first congestion pricing program. This program will reduce traffic in Manhattan’s central business district, reduce pollution, and provide critical funding for transit improvements.”
While most vehicles are set to pay the new tolls, certain exemptions have been outlined, notably for government-owned vehicles.
Other exemptions are for emergency vehicles, specialized city vehicles, and buses operating on regular public routes or under city school contracts. Additionally, vehicles transporting disabled individuals and certain low-income commuters are granted exemptions. Low-income drivers may also qualify for discounts and tax credits.
Meanwhile, taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft will not face tolls but will incur surcharges of $1.25 and $2.50 respectively per ride.
The initiative has not been without its detractors, with taxi advocates particularly vocal in their opposition, denouncing the plan as detrimental to their industry.
Yet, according to MTA officials, public hearings and commentary have largely shown a 2-to-1 margin of support for the congestion pricing strategy.
Congestion pricing is designed to target vehicles entering the Central Business District, which encompasses much of Midtown Manhattan down to the Financial District.
The charges vary depending on the vehicle type: passenger cars are set at $15, small trucks and vans at $24, and large trucks at $36
To alleviate the effects during non-peak periods, congestion tolls will be substantially reduced to $3.50 instead of the regular $15 and residents searching for parking within the zone will not be charged multiple times in a single day.
Officials project a 17% reduction in vehicle entries into the specified area, translating to over 150,000 fewer cars and a substantial $15 billion boost for transit system upgrades.
Following the MTA approval, UFT President Michael Mulgrew, one of the lead plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit against congestion pricing, stated that it is now up to the courts to intervene.
Mulgrew noted, “Now that the MTA board has voted, it is going to be up to the courts to prevent the huge environmental injustice that threatens families outside the Manhattan congestion zone, including communities that are already suffering some of the worst air pollution and asthma rates in the country.”
