The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber was joined by elected officials, transportation advocates and other supporters to unveil signs informing motorists that they are entering the congestion relief zone. The zone is part of the nation’s first congestion pricing program which New York City recently implemented.
New York’s Central Business District Tolling Program went into effect on Jan. 5, and is a first in the nation approach to reducing car traffic in one of the world’s most heavily gridlocked areas.
E-ZPass Toll Discount
Motorists using E-ZPass will pay a $9 toll to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street during the peak period and $2.25 overnight. Tolls for those not using E-ZPass are higher.
Motorists with valid E-ZPass tags will automatically be given a peak period discount at the Lincoln, the Holland, the Queens-Midtown, and Hugh L. Carey Tunnels. MTA encourages motorists who are not enrolled in E-ZPass to enroll today for toll savings and tunnel discounts.
Improving Transit with Toll Income
The toll is expected to reduce traffic in the Manhattan Central Business District by approximately 80,000 fewer vehicles entering the zone daily, leading to improved traffic flow, better air quality, and reduced traffic accidents.
Money generated by the toll will provide $15 billion toward MTA capital projects, improving New York’s quality of life and economy by making subway stations accessible to all in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Hundreds of new commuter rail cars and zero emission busses will be purchased, and subway signals will be upgraded on key corridors to enable more frequent and reliable subway service.
More information on the toll rates and qualifications for a limited number of discounts or exemptions can be found here.
