MTA Approves $9 Congestion Pricing Plan

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has approved a revised congestion pricing plan, reducing the initial toll for entering Manhattan from $15 to $9, set to begin on January 5, 2025. This phased plan will see the toll increase to $12 in 2028 and reach $15 by 2031, with the goal of reducing traffic and pollution in the city while generating funds for public transit improvements. New Jersey officials have filed a lawsuit against the plan, arguing that it unfairly affects their drivers, amidst concerns that the incoming Republican administration could further complicate the program's implementation. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber expressed optimism about the toll's benefits for commuters and transit users, while critics label the initiative a tax on New Yorkers. The plan still requires final approval from the Federal Highway Administration, which has previously delayed the process. Governor Kathy Hochul's administration aims to finalize the plan before potential political changes in Washington, D.C.