New York city made history by approving congestion pricing, a move aimed at curbing traffic and pollution in its bustling downtown.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board has authorized a $15 toll for drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, expected to generate funds to upgrade mass transit. Implementation is set for mid-June, with installation of zone cameras almost complete.
Legal challenges, including from New Jersey, seek to halt the program.
As Crain's reports, MTA will send congestion pricing money to the neighboring state.As per the Authority's CEO Janno Lieber during a Crain’s New York Power Breakfast "the presentation made to the feds does call for some allocation of mitigation dollars to New Jersey," but declined to give details.
Drivers using already-tolled crossings receive a $5 discount during the day, lowering fees to $10. Nighttime and weekend rates are discounted by 75%, with different rates for commercial trucks to incentivize off-peak travel.
The plan mirrors schemes in London, Stockholm, and Milan. The law targets $1 billion in annual tolls for $15 billion in transit upgrades, though lawsuits could delay the initiative.
PHOTO: Chris Barbalis on Unsplash
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