The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced congestion pricing will begin in Manhattan on Sunday, June 30.
A $15 toll will be implemented for cars driving below 60th Street in the so-called Congestion Relief Zone during peak hours (5am to 9pm), according to a news release on Friday.
The toll, which will be $3.75 during off-peak hours, will result in 100,000 fewer vehicles entering the zone every day, resulting in less traffic and cleaner air, while providing $15 billion in funding for critical transit investments, the MTA said.
Eighty percent of the revenue generated will go to capital improvements on NYC Transit subways and buses, 10% to Metro-North Railroad and 10% to Long Island Rail Road. Projects to be supported by congestion pricing include ADA upgrades, purchase of zero-emission buses, new subway and commuter railroad cars, system-wide repair work and expansion projects like Phase Tw0 of the Second Avenue Subway.
The MTA has also opened the application portals for discount and exemption plans. Discount and exemption plans include a Low-Income Discount Plan for households earning less than $50,000 a year who travel frequently into the zone and a Individual Disability Exemption Plan for individuals who have disabilities that prevent them from using transit may apply to enroll a designated vehicle that would be exempt via E-ZPass. In addition, New York State will offer a tax credit for low-income drivers who live in the Congestion Relief Zone.
Learn more about eligibility for discounts or exemptions, and apply via this webpage.
