New York becomes first US city to launch congestion charge

New York’s long-awaited congestion charge has come into force, with most drivers now facing a US$9 toll to enter lower Manhattan.

The charge is intended to reduce traffic gridlock while also raising much needed funds for the city’s public transport.

Drivers of most passenger cars will pay US$9 to enter Manhattan south of Central Park on weekdays between 5am and 9pm, and on weekends between 9am and 9pm.

During off peak hours, the toll will be US$2.25 for most vehicles.

Speaking after the launch, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said it had “all gone smoothly”.

“We want to encourage trucks to do more deliveries at night, we want improvements to vehicle speeds especially for buses, we want to make sure that emergency response vehicles can get where they are going faster, and I hope drivers will take another look at the speed and convenience of mass transit.”

Small trucks (single-unit trucks) and some buses will pay a toll of US$14.40 during the peak period and US$3.60 during the overnight period.

Large trucks and tour buses will pay a toll of US$21.60 during the peak period and US$5.40 during the overnight period.

The congestion zone covers four hundred lanes of city traffic with more than 1,400 cameras, 110 detection points and 800 signs, Lieber added.

The toll is projected to lead to 80,000 fewer vehicles entering the congestion zone every day, while providing US$15 billion in funding for public transit.

“Congestion pricing will reduce traffic, improve our air quality, and increase street safety all while generating critical revenue to modernize the MTA’s subway and bus systems,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We are closely coordinating with the MTA on the rollout of congestion pricing this weekend and we continue to work to reimagine our streets, making it easier than ever to travel to and through the Manhattan’s core without a car.”

Delayed introduction

A US$15 charge was set to come into effect last June, but was scrapped by State Governor Kathy Hochul before being revived again in November at a reduced rate of US$9.

At the time, the governor cited the rise in the cost of living, adding that there would be too many “unintended consequences” for New Yorkers.

The scheme has been strongly opposed by some politicians, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

Last Friday, a judge denied a motion by New Jersey state officials to block the scheme on the grounds of its environmental impact on neighbouring areas.

“We’re gratified that on virtually every issue, Judge Gordon agreed with the New York federal court and rejected New Jersey’s claim that the Environmental Assessment approved 18 months ago was deficient,” Lieber said in a statement.

“On the two remaining issues where the Judge requested that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provide additional data – information that was not yet before the court in this proceeding – we’re confident that the subsequent federal actions, including the approval of the revised, reduced toll rates, did put those issues to rest.”