April 2nd, 2024 - 9:11 am
On March 27, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board voted 11-1 to adopt its congestion pricing toll structure that would impose tolls for entering Manhattan below 60th Street. If implemented, this would be the first congestion pricing plan in any U.S. city and would likely encourage other cities to follow suit.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority intends to begin the tolling as early as June 2024; however, there are several court challenges that could block or delay implementation.
Under the MTA plan:
Drivers who enter through the Queens-Midtown, Hugh Carey, Holland, and Lincoln tunnels would get a $5 credit:
Tolls would be paid by EZPass or by mail.
In February, the Boston City Council members introduced an order for a hearing to discuss the possibility of a similar congestion pricing plan in Boston to alleviate traffic congestion, improve air quality and raise revenue. On February 14, the City Council held a preliminary hearing to consider congestion pricing, but no specifics on pricing, affected vehicles, possible exemptions or the scope of the congestion zone were offered. The issue was referred to the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation.