The MTA Has Released New Details Regarding NYC Congestion Pricing

The MTA released an analysis report this past Wednesday, August 10, showing how car traffic could be reduced as much as 20% if a new plan is implemented which would toll drivers who enter Manhattan south of 60th Street as much as $23 during rush hour.

The Central Business District (CBD) Tolling Program would be the first congestion pricing program in the U.S., but the program has helped other cities around the world by reducing traffic, helping improve mass transit, and improving air quality.

If this program is approved, vehicles that enter or remain in the Central Business District would be tolled via an E-ZPass or by mail for those without one.

There are a number of factors that would determine the toll rates per vehicle, and the Traffic Mobility Review Board would consider things such as how traffic might move, air quality and pollution, costs, effect on the public, and safety. MTA’s TBTA Board would have final say on what the rates would actually be.

You can now review the Environmental Assessment on the proposed Central Business District Tolling Program.

Later this month, we’re holding six public hearings on the Program.

Get more info, comment, & sign up to speak: https://t.co/IULq5RdmAR

— MTA. Wear a Mask. (@MTA) August 10, 2022

Other parameters that would be implemented include:

• Charging passenger vehicles only once/day for entering or remaining in the Central Business District
• Changing the toll rates at set times or days
• Allowing residents of the CBD making less than $60,000 to get a New York State tax credit for CBD tolls paid
• Not tolling qualifying authorized emergency vehicles and qualifying vehicles transporting people with disabilities

At the end of the day, this program is intended to discourage driving while also raising money for transit improvements. After paying the cost of running the CBD Tolling Program, 80% of the money would be used to improve and modernize NYC Transit, 10% would go to the Long Island Rail Road, and 10% to Metro-North Railroad.

There will be six public hearings regarding the congestion pricing options. Feedback from each hearing will be incorporated into a plan submitted to the Federal Highway Administration for approval.

The dates of the hearings are as follows:

• Thursday, Aug. 25, 5p.m. – 8p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 27, 10a.m. – 1p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 28, 1p.m. – 4p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 29, 1p.m. – 4p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 30, 5p.m. – 8p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 31, 10a.m. – 1p.m.