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Congestion pricing in Manhattan is set to begin on Sunday (January 5), charging drivers an average of nine dollars to enter below 60th Street. The plan aims to generate billions of dollars to improve mass transit and reduce traffic congestion. Federal judges in New York have cleared major legal obstacles, denying requests from various groups, including the United Federation of Teachers and the Trucking Association of New York, to halt the program. Judge Lewis Liman, in his ruling, stated that the plaintiffs failed to show they would suffer irreparable harm from the tolls, which are expected to reduce traffic and improve air quality.
However, a federal judge in New Jersey is still considering whether the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) followed environmental guidelines when designing the program. New Jersey's lawsuit remains the last legal hurdle, with a decision expected before the tolling system activates. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has attempted to settle the lawsuit, but no agreement has been reached.
The MTA predicts a 10% reduction in cars and trucks once the toll begins. Despite opposition from some communities, including Rockland County, MTA executives are confident that the funds raised will modernize the transit system across the region. The toll will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, with a 75% discount during off-peak hours.