A $9 toll will begin Sunday for most drivers entering the busiest sections of Manhattan, despite a failed legal challenge. A New Jersey judge denied Governor Murphy’s request for a temporary restraining order against the congestion pricing plan on Friday. While the governor’s office plans to appeal, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will proceed as scheduled. The initial toll of $9 is lower than the originally proposed $15, a compromise that allowed the plan to move forward without triggering further delays. The congestion pricing initiative aims to raise funds for the MTA’s capital plan and alleviate Midtown traffic congestion by tolling vehicles south of 60th Street.
MTA CEO Janno Lieber emphasized the plan’s long history, stating, “We’ve been talking about this in New York for close to 50 years…This is historic.” The toll structure is complex, varying by vehicle type, time of day, and payment method. Peak period tolls (5 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends) are significantly higher than overnight rates, which are discounted by 75%. Passenger vehicles with E-ZPass will pay $9 during peak hours and $2.25 overnight, while tolls for larger vehicles and commercial trucks are considerably higher. Taxis and for-hire vehicles will have a per-trip passenger charge instead of a daily toll. Drivers using the four tolled entry points (Lincoln, Holland, Queens-Midtown, and Hugh L. Carey Tunnels) during peak hours will receive a credit on their toll. Discounts and exemptions are available for low-income drivers and individuals with disabilities. Payment can be made via E-ZPass or through a Tolls by Mail system, though the latter is more expensive.
The MTA will gradually increase the toll over six years, reaching $12 in 2028 and $15 in 2031. Governor Hochul’s decision to set the initial toll at $9, rather than lower, was influenced by federal environmental review considerations. President-elect Trump’s previous opposition to the plan made this a crucial element in the timeline and negotiations. The toll is projected to reduce city traffic by 80,000 vehicles daily and generate billions for transit improvements.
However, the initiative’s launch coincides with ongoing concerns about public transit safety. Recent high-profile subway crimes, including a reported doubling of murders, have raised public anxieties. Governor Hochul cited increased transit camera surveillance and National Guard patrols as mitigating measures, along with new legislation aimed at improving mental health care access. While some commuters express hope that congestion pricing will fund improvements, others worry about the financial burden on residents and potential increased traffic in surrounding areas. Lieber maintains that the long-term benefits of reduced congestion will outweigh the initial cost for both drivers and the city’s overall economy.