New York City’s congestion pricing tolls are one major step closer to taking effect, after the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Monday approved an updated version of the plan.
Beginning on Jan. 5, 2025, most drivers heading into Manhattan south of 60th Street will pay a $9 toll, at least through 2027. The toll will increase to $12 from 2028 to 2030, and then reach $15 — the amount originally called for — in 2031.
The revised plan still needs approval from the Federal Highway Administration before it can take effect.
The congestion pricing plan is meant to slash pollution in the city from cars and trucks, while also reducing traffic in the most congested part of the city. Money collected from the new tolls will be spent on improving the city’s mass transit system.
But New York Gov. Kathy Hochul slammed the brakes on a $15 congestion pricing plan in June, as Democrats grappled with competitive campaigns in the region. Hochul unveiled the new version with the reduced toll last week, and New York leaders are now racing to implement the system before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and other Garden State leaders have opposed the congestion pricing, saying the toll disproportionately hits New Jersey drivers. A lawsuit challenging the plan in federal court remains ongoing.
