New York City’s congestion pricing program, the first in the U.S., will go into effect June 30

New York City’s congestion pricing program, the first in the U.S., will go into effect June 30, the MTA has announced.

It will cost a $15 fee for most drivers entering the busiest part of Manhattan, south of 60th Street during daytime hours, per NYT.


The program, enacted by the New York state Legislature in 2019, aims to generate $1 billion annually to support public transportation for the city’s 4 million daily riders.

“More than 90% of people enter the congestion zone, the central business district, by walking, biking, or, most importantly, using mass transit," stated Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Lieber to WABC. "New York is a mass transit city, and we are committed to further improving transportation in the city.”

Advocates argue that besides funding buses and subways, congestion pricing will decrease pollution by discouraging driving into Manhattan. Critics contend that the fees will burden commuters and raise prices of essential goods transported to the city by truck.

New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against the congestion pricing plan, which will be the first of its kind in the United States.

Lieber expressed confidence in a positive resolution of the New Jersey lawsuit.

Congestion pricing will commence at 12:01 a.m. on June 30, with an initial late-night fee of $3.75. The $15 toll will be in effect at 9 a.m.

Individuals with low incomes can apply for a congestion toll discount on the MTA website, while disabled individuals can seek exemptions.