NYC Congestion Pricing Tolls Could Be As High As $23: MTA

NEW YORK CITY — Motorists driving into Manhattan soon could pay tolls as high as $23, according to a long-awaited congestion pricing plan.

A years-in-the-making environmental review on congestion pricing was publicly released Wednesday by MTA officials.

The review is a critical step toward getting federal approval for tolling cars entering Manhattan below 61st Street. And the review contends doing so will benefit New Yorkers.

“Bottom line: congestion pricing is good for the environment, good for public transit and good for New York and the region," said Janno Lieber, the MTA's chair and CEO, in a statement.

Congestion pricing is expected to take effect in 2023, assuming federal approval, and the review provides details on how it could look for motorists.

MTA officials are considering several tolling plans, all of which would charge more during peak hours between 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to the review.

A base plan calls for $9 peak tolls, with $7 off-peak and $5 overnight rates, to be paid once per day by commuters, the review states. This plan would not provide discounts for commuters who pay bridge and tunnel tolls into Manhattan.

But the plans could go as high as $23 for all drivers during peak time, according to the review. But this scenario would provide a credit toward the congestion pricing fee for outer-borough and New Jersey commuters who enter through bridges and tunnels with tolls.

The public can provide input on the review through a series of virtual public hearings Aug. 25 through Aug. 31.

Other chances for public input will an Aug. 19 meeting of an Environmental Justice Stakeholder Working Group and an Aug.22 meeting of the Environmental Justice Technical Advisory Group.

Comments can also be made online, by email, mail, voicemail and fax. More information on public comment can be made here.