The state of New York has declared its intentions to reinstate a $9 charge to mitigate congestion in Manhattan from January, according to an announcement by Governor Kathy Hochul. The charge, which was previously postponed indefinitely, is part of a pioneering congestion pricing program in the United States.
Originally, the plan was to impose a $15 toll for passenger vehicles driving in Manhattan south of 60th Street during the day, starting on June 30. However, this was halted by Hochul for an indefinite period. Now, the revised program will see the base charge for passenger vehicles set at $9, a 40% reduction from the initially proposed amount.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of this levy in generating funds for investing in New York’s subway and bus systems. The toll is expected to support $15 billion in debt financing targeted at mass transit improvement. Charges for trucks and buses will be higher, and discounts will be available for off-peak travel.
This initiative is aimed at easing gridlock and reducing emissions while also bringing about significant environmental improvements. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), used by approximately 6 million people daily, is expected to approve the charge in a vote next week. In addition to reducing traffic by 17%, the MTA asserts that congestion pricing would enhance air quality and boost mass transit usage by 1% to 2%.
The Federal Highway Administration was notified by New York about this updated plan, which features a starting toll of $9 for passenger cars. The agency is currently finalizing the steps required to complete an agreement allowing the program to commence.
The decision to halt the implementation was based on high inflation and a desire to not discourage commuters or tourists with additional charges, stated Hochul. A similar charge was implemented in London in 2003. The plan to fund mass transit improvements using tolls to manage traffic in New York City, America’s most congested city, was approved by state lawmakers in 2019.
Over 900,000 vehicles enter the Manhattan Central Business District daily, reducing average travel speeds to around 7 miles (11 km) per hour. This move to mitigate congestion is expected to improve the situation significantly.
