New York’s Plan To Charge Drivers Extra Money Is Back On

Last year, in 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams hatched a plan that would potentially plug some serious budget deficits the city and Metropolitan Transportation Authority were experiencing. That plan would implement America's first congestion tax against drivers who drive in parts of New York City.

The initial plan, which the Governor eventually postponed, would force a toll for drivers who enter the New York City borough of Manhattan and drive south of 60th Street. That original plan would see drivers hit with a toll ranging from $1.25 to $36 every time they entered Manhattan. The ultimate purpose of the congesting pricing plan was to make additional funds available to help the city's aging subway system, which is having difficulty being profitable.

The plan was originally set to take place this past spring, but the Governor postponed it, saying that it wasn't the right time. However, it appears that the right time is now, as the Governor says the plan will go into effect as soon as January 2025.

According to reporting from WNYW-TV Fox 5 New York, the congestion pricing plan will start on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, and apply to all traffic driving in Manhattan south of 60th Street. Toll readers are installed on all roads, tunnels, and bridges that lead into Manhattan and will charge drivers a toll when they enter the zone.

Most drivers will have to pay a $9 toll every time they enter the zone from 5 am to 9 pm during the week and 9 am to 9 pm on the weekend. Tolls still apply if you drive outside of those times, but the fee is discounted by up to 75%. Trucks will have to pay a toll ranging from 14.40 to $21.60, which the size of the truck will decide, and Taxi and Ride Share drivers will be charged a surplus ranging from$0.75 to $1.50 per ride.

These new fees are expected to raise more than $1 billion for the city's subway system; however, critics say it will be done on the backs of the poor in the Empire State.

If this congestion plan is successful in New York City, many wonder if it could be implemented in other areas of the state.