New York City’s Congestion Relief Zone Launched, Charging Motorists Up to $9 to Enter Manhattan’s Busiest Neighborhoods
New York City’s first-in-the-nation Congestion Relief Zone has officially launched, charging motorists up to $9 to enter Manhattan’s busiest neighborhoods. The scheme aims to ease the city’s infamous traffic problems and raise money for public transportation.
The pricing plan is effective from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, with most cars paying a peak fee of $9. Small trucks and noncommuter buses will pay $14.40, while larger trucks and tourist buses will pay $21.60. Motorists will only be charged once a day, and exemptions include certain emergency and government vehicles, low-income drivers, and those with medical conditions that prevent them from using mass transit.
Despite an eleventh-hour effort from New Jersey and local opposition, including from President-elect Donald Trump, the scheme is fully operational as of 12:00:01 a.m. on Sunday morning. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has predicted a 10% reduction in cars and trucks after the toll begins, with the revenue generated to be used to modernize the system across the region.
