Congestion Pricing Is Back: What You Need to Know
New York will soon become the first American city to implement a congestion relief zone in the Manhattan Central Business District. Similar programs have enabled other great world cities to reduce excess traffic, improve air quality, and fund public transit improvements. Here’s what you need to know about congestion pricing.
What does this mean for you?
Congestion pricing will start on January 5, 2025, and applies to vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street.
Passenger vehicle tolls will begin at $9 during peak hours and $2.25 overnight in 2025.
Over time, the plan will generate $15 billion to fund upgrades to the subway, bus, and commuter rail systems, making transit more reliable and efficient for everyone.
If you commute by car, the projected 17% increase in speed of traffic will save you time and money.
If you use transit, congestion tolls will keep fare increases to a minimum.
What the experts say: Congestion pricing benefits the vast majority of New Yorkers.
82% of Manhattan workers commute by public transit. More funding means better service for the millions who rely on buses and trains daily.
Cleaner air and a greener city. With fewer cars on the road, air quality improves, emissions drop, and public health improves overall.
Faster commutes, fewer delays. Less congestion means quicker emergency response times, less time stuck in traffic, and spending more time where you want to be.
A clear path forward. Traffic modeling is already complete, and a robust public outreach campaign will help New Yorkers understand toll rates, discounts, and exemptions for people with lower incomes or disabilities.
Congestion pricing isn’t just about tolls — it’s about building a city that works better for everyone. It means cleaner air, less gridlock, and keeping public transit reliable and affordable.
From Singapore to Stockholm, congestion pricing has already transformed cities worldwide. While initially met with skepticism, it’s a smart policy that gains popularity by consistently delivering cleaner air, faster commutes, and better transit. Let’s give it a chance to do the same here in New York.
