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Here's how NYC congestion pricing impacts you
New York City is officially the first U.S. metro to implement a congestion pricing toll. FOX 5 NY's Hayley Fixler has what you need to know.
NEW YORK - The E-ZPass New York website pushed users to a waiting room on the first workday when New York City's new congestion pricing toll was in effect.
"The E-ZPass NY website is currently experiencing higher than normal activity," E-ZPass NY said on its website around 9:45 a.m. but was accessible around 10:20 a.m.
The MTA has advised drivers to update their E-ZPass accounts before entering the toll zones, as drivers without their current license plates linked will face much more expensive tolls by mail.
Most drivers pay $9 to enter Manhattan's zone, but tolls by mail tack on an extra $5, a $13 total.
What is congestion pricing?
Congestion pricing is an electronic tolling system that charges vehicles for entering Manhattan's Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) — the area below 60th Street, excluding certain highways like the FDR Drive and West Side Highway. The program aims to:
- Reduce gridlock in Manhattan's busiest areas.
- Encourage public transit use.
- Fund approximately $15 billion in transit infrastructure improvements.
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New Jersey commuter toll increases
Some New Jersey drivers, already getting hit with the new NYC congestion pricing toll, are also facing an increase at Port Authority tunnels and bridges. FOX 5 NY's Briella Tomassetti has the details.
Congestion pricing map
Vehicles entering the Manhattan zone, which are local streets and avenues at or below 60 Street – near Central Park – will be charged a toll.
This map shows the proposed zone for New York City congestion pricing.
How does it work?
Most tolls will be collected through E-ZPass, thanks to gantries already set up at the congestion zone entry points.
Drivers without an E-ZPass will be mailed a bill and forced to pay a higher rate.