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:

• Passenger vehicles will be charged $15.
• Trucks will be charged between $24 (for box trucks) and $36 (for articulated trucks).
• Motorcycles will be charged $7.50.
• Toll would only be charged once a day, between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends.
• Fees would fall by 75% during off-peak hours. Overnight tolls for trucks would be $6 and $8.

Drivers who enter through the Queens-Midtown, Hugh Carey, Holland, and Lincoln tunnels would get a $5 credit:

• Trucks would receive a credit of between $12 and $20 depending on size.
• Motorcycles could get a credit of $2.50.
• Drivers would not receive tunnel credits during off-peak hours and there would be no credits for those who cross into Manhattan via the George Washington Bridge.

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.

Share via: Twitter - Facebook - Email