New York City drivers are running out of time to avoid a new congestion surcharge that will begin on January 5. Starting next week, drivers entering certain areas of Manhattan will be required to pay a $9 fee, despite efforts by New Jersey officials to delay the measure.
New Jersey officials have expressed concerns about the potential economic impact of New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s congestion plan.
Judge Leo Gordon noted that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had failed to provide sufficient details on how the plan would mitigate the effects on neighboring New Jersey.
As part of the plan, New York will allocate funds, including $20 million for an asthma center and $10 million for air filtration systems. However, Gordon largely dismissed the concerns raised by New Jersey officials, and New York state has until January 17 to formally address the issue.
A hearing in Newark is scheduled for tomorrow at 3 p.m., just 33 hours before the surcharge takes effect. Despite the objections, New York officials are confident that the plan will proceed without delay.
“Despite New Jersey’s attempts to block this initiative, our position has prevailed in court,” officials stated. “This is a significant victory for commuters in both states.”
Janno Lieber, chair of the MTA, believes the court ruling will not affect the program’s implementation. The toll will target vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street, with cars and trucks being charged $9 during peak hours (5 a.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays).
Motorcycles will pay $4.50, while trucks and buses will face charges ranging from $14.40 to $21.60. Drivers traveling during off-peak times will pay reduced fees.
For the first 60 days of the program, no additional charges will be applied. New York officials are optimistic that the surcharge will improve the city’s quality of life, reduce traffic, and cut emissions, making it the first congestion charge of its kind in the U.S. The surcharge was revised to $9 in November after Governor Hochul adjusted the initial $15 fee proposal.
