NYC congestion pricing: How Uber, Lyft, and taxi fares are impacted
NEW YORK CITY - With congestion pricing now in effect, the cost of Uber, Lyft and taxi rides in Manhattan may get more expensive.
On Sunday, New York City officially became the first U.S. metro to implement a congestion-pricing toll, and now, taxi and rideshare riders will have to pay the price.
Passengers will now face an extra charge for trips that enter, exit, or happen within the designated zone. Prior to this, passengers were already paying up to $2.75 in congestion fees.
SEE ALSO: Uber hits some riders with mistake congestion pricing fee | Exclusive
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. Most drivers entering Manhattan's Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) will face a $9 toll.
This map shows the proposed zone for New York City congestion pricing.
Vehicles entering the Manhattan zone, which are local streets and avenues at or below 60 Street – near Central Park – will be charged a toll.
The program aims to:
- Reduce gridlock in Manhattan's busiest areas.
- Encourage public transit use.
- Fund approximately $15 billion in transit infrastructure improvements.
How to get Lyft credit for NYC congestion pricing
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. Here's how it works.
Here's how congestion pricing affects Uber, taxi and Lyft rides:
How much does congestion pricing cost for taxis and rideshare trips?
Taxis, green cabs and black cars face a 75-cent surcharge per trip, while app-based services like Uber and Lyft charge $1.50 per trip for rides that begin, end, or pass through Manhattan's CRZ.
Cars pass under toll machines on Broadway Avenue in the Manhattan borough of New York City on November 14, 2024. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to make an announcement on November 14 regarding congestion pricing in New York City, accordin
According to transportation officials, in 2023, taxis made about 12 daily trips. Cut that in half for ride hail vehicles. That’s why the fees at $.75 are lower in the yellow cabs and higher if you’re in an Uber or a Lyft, but customers say it’s still too much.
Will riders pay the tolls?
Yes, riders will pay the tolls, so make sure to check your receipts.
"It's really not fair, we're traveling all over the city for work and it's just added to all the other surcharges that we pay from the gas, this and that. It's a lot," a woman told FOX 5 NY.
FOX 5 NY's Natasha Verma took an Uber this week above 60th St. and, despite going nowhere near the zone, was still hit with that $1.50 charge.
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How to get Lyft credit for NYC congestion pricing
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. Here's how it works.
As far as Uber, there are no credits or deals to be added to your account.
What did Lyft say?:
Lyft said on their website that for the rest of January, every time you pay NYC’s new $1.50 congestion fee, they will send you a $1.50 ride credit to use on a ride with Lyft or Citi Bike.
"In 2025, we want riders to relax and focus on a "new me," not new fees," Lyft said in a statement on their website. "With New York City’s additional $1.50 rideshare congestion fee set to hit New Yorkers and visitors starting Jan. 5, we’re helping riders ease into the new year."
How does the Lyft program work?
- 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.
The Source: This article uses published information from the Associated Press and Lyft. FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovas contributed to this report.