Long Islanders prep for congestion pricing set to begin next month
The controversial program that will charge drivers $9 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street during weekday peak hours is set to begin Jan. 6.
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With the start of the MTA's congestion pricing plan just a month away, Long Islanders are already adjusting their commute - moving to taking the train rather than driving into Manhattan.
However, not everyone has that option - and will have to pay the toll starting on Jan. 6 if they want to enter Manhattan's Central Business District.
There are some exemptions to the plan - six categories laid out by the MTA - including a 50% discount for vehicle owners who make $50,000 a year or less or are receiving government assistance.
Also exempt are vehicles that transport disabled individuals, emergency vehicles, like police cars and ambulances, school buses contracted by the NYC Department of Education and specialized government-owned vehicles.
Teachers, first responders and businesses are not exempt from the tolls.
The MTA said during a webinar Friday that a person's occupation "does not inherently give you any kind of discount or exemption."
