New York City to Implement Congestion Pricing in 2025

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the revival of the city's congestion pricing plan, set to begin on January 5, 2025, with a reduced toll of $9 for passenger vehicles entering Manhattan's Central Business District. This plan aims to alleviate traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and generate $15 billion for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The new program comes after an indefinite delay in June 2024 due to concerns over its economic impact, particularly amidst opposition from New Jersey officials and incoming President Donald Trump. The toll will be levied on vehicles entering below 60th Street, with various discounts for low-income drivers and other exemptions. Hochul emphasized the necessity of the plan for improving public transit and city air quality, despite strong political pushback. The initiative marks New York City as the first major U.S. city to implement such a tolling system.