Will Manhattan ‘congestion toll’ keep New Jerseyans out of the Big Apple?

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced a “congestion toll” for drivers in the busiest parts of Manhattan. The mayor says that the goal is to reduce traffic and to raise money for the subway system.

News 12 Staff

Feb 28, 2019, 1:25 AM

Updated 1,877 days ago

Share:

Will Manhattan ‘congestion toll’ keep New Jerseyans out of the Big Apple?
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced a “congestion toll” for drivers in the busiest parts of Manhattan. The mayor says that the goal is to reduce traffic and to raise money for the subway system.
But critics say that the toll impacts mostly people who live outside of New York City, especially New Jersey residents.
With so many options to travel to New York City from New Jersey – trains, light rail, bus and ferry – some are wondering if it will change New Jersey’s traveling habits.
“I just avoid driving in New York City at all costs. I live [in New Jersey] but I lived in New York for 35 years. And traffic only gets worse,” one commuter told News 12 New Jersey.
Some travelers say that since New Jersey Transit increased train ticket prices, they do drive to New York City when they can.
So how much will it cost and what is the cheaper option? A committee formed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recommended a toll of $11.52 per car.
A family of four taking an NJ Transit train from the Wayne Route 23 station to New York Penn station for a day will pay about $57.60. If they drive, even with the congestion toll, it would cost about $22 in tolls.
But what about if the traveler commutes to New York for work? Currently, with the tolls, it would cost about $210 to commute to New York a month. The congestion price would double that cost – much more than a monthly NJ Transit pass.
The congestion plan still needs the approval of the New York State Legislature and the $11.52 figure could change before a law is finalized.


More from News 12
2:19
New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

1:46
Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

0:28
Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

0:23
Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

2:00
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

0:17
Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

0:23
Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

0:26
Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

0:14
Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

1:30
Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

1:50
Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

2:00
John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road