New York City officials have approved a first-of-its kind congestion toll for truckers and passenger vehicle drivers.
On March 27, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) approved a plan to begin tolling vehicles entering the “congestion relief zone” in Manhattan below 60th Street, starting in June 2024.
This is the first-ever congestion toll imposed on drivers by a U.S. city.
According to the MTA, heavy duty trucks and some buses will be charged a toll of $24 or $36 during the day to enter the congestion relief zone, depending on their size and function, and $6 or $9 at night.
Passenger vehicles and smaller CMVs will be charged $15 during the day and $3.75 at night.
Exempt vehicles include qualifying authorized emergency vehicles, qualifying vehicles carrying people with disabilities, school buses contracted with the NYC Department of Education, buses providing scheduled commuter services open to the public, commuter vans licensed with the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, and specialized government vehicles.
City officials say that the congestion toll will keep 100,000 vehicles from entering Manhattan below 60th Street every day, reducing gridlock and improving the air quality in the area.
The congestion fee program is expected to generate $1 billion in revenue each year for transportation system improvements.
New Jersey officials have filed suit over the plan, arguing that it will increase traffic and pollution in New Jersey as drivers try to avoid the fee.