MTA Launches Congestion Pricing in Manhattan from June 30 Amid Legal Challenges

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced on Friday that congestion pricing in Manhattan is set to commence from Sunday, June 30 at midnight, despite ongoing legal challenges against it. FOX 5 NY’s Ashlie Rodriguez reported the news.
The MTA has confirmed its plan for implementing congestion charging in New York City this summer. The move aims to reduce traffic levels within Manhattan’s central business district (CBD), decrease pollution, and secure funds that will improve transportation systems throughout the city.
According to officials at the MTA, revenue generated through the new policy is expected to exceed $1 billion annually. This money will be used for enhancing public transport infrastructure across New York City. The agency claims congestion pricing would also result in fewer cars on roads within Manhattan’s CBD zone.
The proposed area covered by this initiative includes the lower portion of Manhattan below 60th Street (as seen on this map). School buses and commercial vehicles are exempt from paying the new toll, as confirmed to FOX 5 NY’s Chris Welch. Yellow taxis, green cabs, and black cars will be charged $1.25 per trip into the CBD zone.
Publicly accessible bus services that operate on a regular schedule within New York City are also exempt from congestion pricing fees. This includes city buses as well as charter companies such as Megabus and Hampton Jitney, which provide transportation to areas outside Manhattan’s central business district (CBD).
The proposed plan has been met with opposition in some quarters, particularly by New Jersey officials who have launched legal action against the MTA. The new congestion pricing policy is expected to generate a fee of at least $15 for most drivers operating private vehicles within the CBD zone; this charge would be added on top of existing tolls that apply when crossing certain bridges and tunnels, such as those connecting Manhattan with New Jersey via Lincoln or Holland Tunnels.
The MTA claims congestion pricing will have a positive impact upon air quality in New York City by reducing pollution levels caused by excessive traffic volumes within the CBD zone; it also anticipates an annual revenue boost of around $1 billion, which would be invested into improving public transport infrastructure throughout NYC.