How to get Lyft credit for NYC congestion pricing
Judge rules to allow congestion pricing
A federal judge has denied New Jersey’s request to delay NYC’s $9 congestion pricing toll, allowing it to begin as scheduled on Sunday. The controversial toll applies to drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. NJ leaders argue the MTA’s environmental studies were insufficient and plan to appeal the ruling.
NEW YORK - Congestion pricing is set to begin when the clock strikes midnight, putting many commuters on edge.
Starting Sunday, New York City will implement a new $1.50 congestion fee for rideshare trips passing through Manhattan’s Central Business District (CBD), which begins below 61st Street.
Lyft is stepping in to help riders adjust with a reimbursement program that offers a $1.50 ride credit for each qualifying trip during Jan.
According to Lyft, "In 2025, we want riders to relax and focus on a ‘new me,’ not new fees." On its website, the company explains, "Every time you pay NYC’s new $1.50 congestion fee, we’ll send you a $1.50 ride credit to use on a ride with Lyft or Citi Bike."
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How does congestion pricing work?
Congestion pricing is set to start on Sunday, Jan. 5, however the controversial plan is still embroiled in legal battles.
How It Works
- Trips that begin, end, or pass through the CBD qualify for the credit.
- After completing the trip, you’ll get a notification confirming that a $1.50 credit has been applied to your account.
- The credit is valid for future rides or Citi Bike trips and expires one week after issuance.
Lyft encourages riders to take advantage of this offer, emphasizing that "January’s on them."
Key Points About the Program
- You can earn a $1.50 credit for every qualifying ride taken through Jan. 31, 2025.
- As Lyft operates Citi Bike, credits can also be used for bike rentals.
- Automatic Application: No additional steps are required. Credits are applied directly to your account.
Why is Lyft offering credits?
The company has criticized the new fee, arguing that rideshare riders in NYC already pay significant government-imposed taxes and fees. Lyft notes, "Since 2019, rideshare riders have already paid a $2.75 congestion fee to the MTA for rides that start, end, or pass through a separate congestion zone below 96th Street in Manhattan. We don’t think riders should be double-taxed, and we lobbied hard for them to be exempt from this new additional $1.50 congestion fee."
Lyft maintains that its goal is not to undermine the city’s efforts to reduce congestion but to ensure fairness. "Funding public transportation is a good thing," the company states, "but riders shouldn’t bear an undue burden."
Other congestion pricing fees
NYC riders already face several additional charges, including:
- $2.75 MTA congestion fee (for rides below 96th Street).
- $2.50 airport fee.
- 8.875% sales tax.
- 2.75% Black Car Fund fee.
What is congestion pricing?
Congestion pricing is aimed at reducing traffic and pollution while encouraging the use of public transit. It has long existed in other cities around the globe, including London, Stockholm, Milan and Singapore, but not in the U.S.
Drivers will see the highest tolls between 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Tolls will be 75% cheaper outside of peak hours.
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.
Drivers on the FDR and West Side Highway passing through the borough will not be charged.
How to use Lyft credit
While Lyft passengers will still be charged the $1.50 congestion fee like everyone else, the company’s reimbursement program ensures they’ll get that money back in the form of credits.
These credits can be spent on Lyft rides or Citi Bike trips and are valid through the following week, giving riders some breathing room during the adjustment to the new fee.