New York City’s first-in-the-nation Congestion Relief Zone officially launched on Sunday. Motorists entering Manhattan’s busiest neighborhoods will now have to pay up to $9 in congestion charges.
The charges aim to ease New York’s traffic problems and raise money for public transportation.
Under the pricing plan, most cars entering Manhattan’s central business district must pay a peak fee of $9 from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Off-peak would be a 75% discount at $2.25.
Small trucks and noncommuter buses will pay $14.40 to enter Manhattan at peak times, while larger trucks and tourist buses will pay a $21.60 fee.
Motorists will only be charged once a day, and exemptions include certain emergency and government vehicles, as well as low-income drivers and those who have medical conditions that prevent them from using mass transit. School and commuter buses are also exempt.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) predicted there would be 10% fewer cars and trucks after the toll begins. MTA executives have also promised that billions of dollars raised by the pricing will pay to modernize the system across the region.
Source: NBC News, CBS News
