Congested streets are just as much a part of Manhattan as skyscrapers – still. In order to relieve traffic, entry into the New York district will cost money in the future. A toll fee of up to nine dollars is due for cars.
Manhattan is world famous as a district of New York. But the pictures in which cars are piled up on the streets between the blocks of high-rise buildings are also well known. The city administration wants to counteract this in the future with a new fee.
According to the Reuters news agency, a toll fee will be charged for vehicles on the streets of Manhattan from January. During the day, nine dollars – the equivalent of 8.64 euros – are charged for cars and small commercial vehicles traveling south of 60th Street in the city. The Ministry of Transport gave the green light on Friday.
Income uses public transport
New York expects billions in revenue from the traffic congestion fee. They should be spent on local public transport and to reduce private transport.
Almost all roads in the designated area will become a “congestion relief zone”. The structure of the toll and therefore its amount is broken down by time and vehicle type. During peak traffic times – on weekdays between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. and on weekends between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. – the administration charges the full amount of the toll. Outside these times there is a night tariff that is 75 percent lower, it is said.
For cars and small commercial vehicles the fee is nine dollars during rush hour; motorcycles pay $4.50. These vehicles should only be taxed once per day.
Over $20 for trucks and buses
Small trucks and some buses pay $14.40 during the day, while large trucks and coaches pay $21.60. However, “authorized trucks and buses” are exempt from tolls in the congestion zone. There will be a lower fee for taxis and rental cars, which passengers will have to pay. That's about $0.75 per taxi ride.
Anyone who uses the E-ZPass electronic toll system and enters the zone via one of four toll tunnels will receive a discount. There are also discounts for people with low incomes and exemptions, for example for people with disabilities, emergency and government vehicles.
It is the first toll of its kind in the entire United States. By 2028 it is expected to rise to a maximum of $12 and by 2031 to a maximum of $15.
