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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board is set to vote today on New York Governor Kathy Hochul's revised congestion pricing plan. The plan proposes a $9 toll for drivers traveling below 60th Street in Manhattan. The MTA believes this will reduce traffic in the city and generate funds to upgrade the subway system. However, the plan has faced opposition, with several federal lawsuits filed, including one from Hempstead, where officials have labeled it an unfair tax on commuters.
Governor Hochul's plan, which is expected to take effect on January 5, 2025, represents a 40 percent reduction in all tolls for vehicles entering the city's Central Business District (CBD). This reduction could save commuters up to $1,500 per year. The plan also includes provisions for additional discounts, credits, and exemptions for eligible drivers, such as a low-income volume discount or a qualified disability exemption.
According to the official website of New York State, despite the lower tolls, the plan will still enable the MTA to leverage $15 billion in bonds for the MTA’s current Capital Program over time. The administration also expects to achieve congestion reduction and air quality benefits set forth in the environmental review for the congestion pricing program, including a 5 percent reduction in vehicle miles traveled and a 10 percent reduction in the number of vehicles entering Manhattan’s CBD.