A heads-up for New Jersey commuters: New York City’s controversial congestion pricing plan is officially moving ahead and it could go into effect by the end of next year. Drivers entering the central business district below 60th street in Manhattan will be charged a toll electronically, making New York the first U.S. city to use congestion pricing. It’s unclear how much the toll will cost; some estimates suggest $16.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority expects to collect about $1 billion annually. The agency on Wednesday said it needs the help; the MTA is projected to run out of money for operating expenses a year earlier than expected, with ridership on the city’s subways slow to rebound in the pandemic.
New Jersey state and federal lawmakers have been fighting the plan for years, calling it unfair to Garden State residents who already pay high tolls to enter Manhattan. Lawmakers have requested some exemptions for Jersey drivers and a portion of the money to go toward improving public transit here. The plan is expected to get federal approval by Aug. 10.
