Starting in mid-June, 2024, New York City will start charging motorists $15 (or more) to enter a designated zone in Midtown Manhattan. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) calculates that this toll will generate around $1 billion annually.
This program was proposed years ago but faced many delays and court challenges. MTA contends that congestion pricing will alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution. It also asserts that it will enhance public transportation as the monies raised will be used for substantial upgrades to the subway system, commuter railroads and buses. However, the program clearly represents also another way for New York City to “tax” its motorists.
Where is the Toll Zone?
The toll zone starts at 60th Street and continues south all the way to Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan. While major highways like the FDR Drive, the West Side Highway, and the Battery Park underpass are exempt, drivers will incur toll charges if they exit onto a street within the congestion zone. North of 60th Street in Manhattan is not part of the congestion zone.
How Much Will Drivers Be Charged?
The toll charges currently are as follows for a single daily trip:
- Passenger vehicles: $15
- Small trucks: $24
- Large trucks: $36
- Motorcycles: $7.50
- Taxi drivers: $1.25 per ride
- Uber, Lyft, and other ride-shares: $2.50 per ride
- During rush hours, between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, full rates apply. On weekends, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the full rate is in effect. Outside these peak hours, the toll is approximately 75% lower, around $3.75 for a car.
How is the Toll Paid?
Drivers will be billed via their E-ZPass tags, similar to other toll roads, bridges and tunnels. For those without an E-ZPass, the registered owner of the vehicle will receive a bill by mail.
Are There Exemptions to the Toll?
Authorized emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks, as well as government vehicles engaged in public works, are exempt. Transit and commuter buses (excluding intercity buses) and qualifying vehicles transporting individuals with disabilities are also exempt.
26 Comments. Leave new
Thanks, Matthew, for this post and your responses to every question. This scheme is insane and shockingly expensive. I have had a terrifying encounter with a mentally ill homeless person (he pushed and pinned me down and then, mercifully, left me alone) that rendered me way too terrified to ride the subway anymore. I drive from to BK into Manhattan instead. Are you aware of any lawsuits underway that could eventually overturn congestion pricing? I’ve struggled to track this. I am just flabbergasted that average citizens must—literally—pay the price for crimes we don’t commit and subway fares we don’t beat. I hope and pray that, for numerous reasons, the city can elect candidates who want to fix the root causes of low MTA revenue and overturn this disastrous scheme that will hurt already financially-strained citizens trying simply to get by in this increasingly expensive, dysfunctional city. It often feels like our current politicians hold great disdain for average New Yorkers…
Hi Kelly,
I’m so sorry to read about your horrible incident and glad you’re were not hurt.
In regard to your question: I am not aware of any lawsuits that could overturn congestion pricing but it wouldn’t surprise me if one (or more) are commenced.
Like speed and red light cameras, IMO this program is just another sad money grab.
Matthew Weiss
You are so kind to reply, thank you. Seems there is *some* hope with the lawsuit NJ has brought…
Yes, just another sad money grab…to pay for their own incompetence and inability to manage much of anything.
Do you know how the tolls will be enforced? Will they install EZ-pass plate readers on every single local street entrance on West Street, and every single south-bound intersection on 60th St?
David,
I believe EZ-pass plate readers will be used to enforce the congestion pricing zone.
Matthew Weiss
would they have any exemptions for Doctors or vehicles with MD (Medical Doctor) plates i
Yacov,
I do not believe doctors or vehicles with MD plates are exempt (and doubt they will be).
Matthew Weiss
OMG…..the charges are going to kill the businesses in the toll zone area. More businesses are going to close down especially after pandemic.
Taking subway is not safe these days, I believe people prefer not to go to those area especially on the weekends.
Very bad idea……
Susanna,
We agree!! A short-sighted, money grab.
Matthew Weiss
Are there exemptions for residents?
Steve Berger,
Definitely not.
Matthew Weiss
I go over the 59th Street Bridge, I exit on 60th Street exit heading east to 1st Ave or York Ave in attempt to get on FDR Drive heading North. am I going to pay a toll? Then heading south on 2nd Ave to go over 59th Street Bridge out of City, am I paying toll.
Antonio Caracciolo,
I believe you will still be charged if you cross below 60th street. I suspect those on the upper roadway of the bridge who exit above 60th and head north will not be charged.
Matthew Weiss
I live in the Seaport area and often drive on the FDR to StuyTown. Even though it’s all travel below 60th Street, would I be charged when I come off the FDR to enter the zone at the 20th Street exit?
Andrew,
Good question. I suspect that you will not be charged as you are already within the congestion pricing zone.
Matthew Weiss
Thank you! While you’re here, just want to thank you and the team for your amazing client service and help with some tough tickets over the years.
Just what is a “qualifying vehicle transporting individuals with disabilities,” and what are qualifying disabilities? Does this mean if one has disability plates or placard that that car is exempt?
Alex,
These details are not yet available. However, I suspect that “qualifying vehicle transporting individuals with disabilities” refers to those companies that transport others, not personal vehicles of those with disabilities.
Matthew Weiss
You say 60th and above are exempt. Is that for the hospital workers?
Linda, I have not read about any exemption for hospital workers.
Matthew Weiss
Will drivers coming into the city on the Queensboro bridge headed cross-town and uptown be charged?
Roger,
Great question. I believe you will still be charged if you cross below 60th street. I suspect those on the upper roadway of the bridge who exit above 60th and head north will not be charged.
Matthew Weiss
What about getting off the W. Side Highway onto the Lincoln Tunnel? Do you get charged for that?
Paul,
Because Lincoln Tunnel is below 60th Street, I would say yes.
Matthew Weiss
If my car is parked in the Battery Park garage and I have to go back to Tribeca to pick up my mother and then drive her to Long Island, how many times my easy pass will be charged?
Valerie,
I believe you will only be charged once. Your trip from Battery Park to Tribeca is within the Congestion Pricing Zone already, so no charge there. Your trip from Tribeca to Long Island is leaving the Zone so no charge there. The only trip subject to the Congestion Pricing rules that I see is from Long Island back to Battery Park.
Matthew Weiss