Congestion pricing in effect Sunday in Manhattan
Drivers heading into the city below 60th street will be charged $9.
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New York’s new congestion pricing takes effect Sunday Jan. 5.
Drivers heading into Manhattan below 60th street during peak hours will be hit with a $9 fee.
"I don't know how it's going to work out moving forward in the future. But I’ll probably have to pay,” said Darnel Powell, of Westbury.
Powell says he drives into Queens for work, and from there sometimes has to get to Manhattan.
"So, I try to make other arrangements if it's the subway or... usually it's the subway,” Powell said.
Supporters of the new toll say it will reduce gridlock and pollution in the city and improve mass transit.
Passenger cars will be charged $9 during peak hours from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Motorcycles will pay $4.50. Trucks and buses will pay between $14.40 to $21.60.
"That's going to be a real burden on a lot of travelers traveling in and out of the city. I have a lot of family and friends who go in and out of the city and that's a tough assignment,” said Toni Burden, of West Hempstead.
For off-peak prices, cars pay $2.25. Motorcycles pay $1.05. Trucks and buses pay $5.40.
The MTA approved several exemptions including for low-income drivers, emergency and government vehicles as well as school and commuter buses.
Ride share options including taxis will not be charged the toll but instead will pass a fee onto passengers.
"I disagree with congestion pricing. I don't think it's going to work. I think the city is always going to remain busy. Biggest city in the world,” said Joe Daly, of Stewart Manor.
The $9 toll will go up to $13 for drivers without an E-Z pass.
The MTA says there will be toll increases in the future. Drivers will pay $12 in 2028, and then $15 in 2031.
