The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced it had received a detailed report produced by the Traffic Mobility Review Board recommending a tolling structure for Central Business District Tolling, New York’s congestion pricing program.

The recommendations submitted in the report will be considered on Wednesday, Dec. 6, by the Board of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA), which is coterminous with the MTA Board.

The Board will review the recommendations as it considers commencing the rate-making process, which includes putting forward a proposed toll schedule for public review.

Rate-Making Process

The rate-making process for Central Business District toll amounts would include an open, months-long public review process similar to the public review process under the State Administrative Procedures Act (SAPA), similar to review processes regularly undertaken for MTA fare and toll increases.

In addition to a series of hybrid virtual and in-person public hearings, members of the public will have a 60-day opportunity to offer comments electronically, or via voicemail or U.S. Mail. 

“I am so grateful that this all-star panel has produced an incredibly thoughtful, detailed, and balanced report that points the way forward for effective implementation of congestion pricing,” said MTA Chair/CEO Janno Lieber. “Congestion pricing will mean less traffic, cleaner air, safer streets, and better transit.”

Public hearings will be held in February 2024. After the conclusion of the public hearing process, the MTA Board will review input received from the public and then schedule a vote on whether to authorize TBTA to adopt a Central Business District toll rate schedule to allow for the start of toll collection to proceed at a date that would be announced in advance. 

While the public review process is underway, the vendor that is building out the toll system and infrastructure will continue installing the infrastructure that will be used for toll collection. As of today, 60% of the sites are complete.