Between congestion pricing and mass transportation fare increases, the cost of your commute will likely become more expensive this year. Here’s a quick breakdown of all the price changes for those who drive or use the subways and buses.
Congestion Pricing
Congestion pricing is expected to begin on Sunday, January 5. Drivers entering the Congestion Relief Zone will have to pay higher fares. The amount drivers pay depends on the time of day, type of vehicle, payment method and whether crossing credits apply.
The image below highlights the Congestion Relief Zone. It includes local streets in Manhattan south of and including 60th Street, excluding the FDR, West Side Highway and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connection to West Street. Drivers entering the zone from those three roadways will be tolled.
Time of day
- Peak period: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends
- Overnight rates will be 75% less than rates during peak periods
Cost
Vehicles without an E-ZPass will pay 50% more and have their bills mailed to them. The prices below are for drivers using an E-ZPass.
- Passenger and small commercial vehicles
- $9 during peak times
- $2.25 overnight
- Motorcycles
- $4.50 during peak times
- $1.05 overnight
- Small single-unit trucks
- $14.40 during peak times
- $3.60 overnight
- Large multi-unit trucks and tour buses
- $21.60 during peak times
- $5.40 overnight
- Some trucks and buses are exempt. You can find that information here.
- Taxis and ride-share vehicles
- $.075 per trip for taxis, green cabs and black cars during both peak and overnight hours
- $1.50 per trip for rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft during both peak and overnight hours
- Passengers are responsible for paying these fees.
Crossing credits
Drivers who use the Queens Midtown Tunnel, Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel or Holland Tunnel will receive a credit to reduce costs. However, credits will not be given during overnight hours, as the toll has already been reduced.
- Passenger vehicles: up to a $3 credit
- Motorcycles: up to $1.50 credit
- Small trucks and charter buses: up to $7.20 credit
- Large trucks and tour buses: up to $12 credit
Other discounts
Discounts are available to low-income drivers. Exemption plans are also available for those living with disabilities and organizations transporting them, as well as emergency vehicles, buses, and specialized government-owned vehicles. More information can be found here.
What else you need to know
Congestion pricing tolls will increase over the next six years. They will be $12 by 2028 and $15 by 2031.
On Tuesday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy filed a last-minute attempt asking a judge to block congestion pricing. The judge has not ruled yet.
Additional resources
Epicenter NYC: Why congestion pricing is being implemented
MTA: Congestion pricing toll information relief program
MTA: Everything you need to know about paying tolls by mail
MTA: How to avoid toll fee violations
NYC.gov: Congestion pricing program
Subways and buses
In December, the MTA approved its financial plan, which included a fare hike on subways and buses. Base fares will increase from $2.90 to $3. The higher rates will go into effect this summer. You can learn about the MTA’s fare discounts here.
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