The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will begin Central Business District Tolling, its congestion pricing program, in Manhattan’s Congestion Relief Zone on June 30.
The zone, located below 60 Street, is one of the most congested areas in the United States. Average traffic speeds are 7 miles per hour.
MTA expects that the toll will result in 100,000 fewer vehicles daily entering the Congestion Relief Zone, improving air quality and providing $15 billion in funding for critical transit investments.
“Last year, Bridges and Tunnels recorded its highest annual traffic volume in its nearly 100-year history,” Catherine Sheridan, MTA Bridge and Tunnels president, said. “And while our own efforts have reduced collisions despite the increase, congestion pricing aligns with an agency goal of moving traffic safely and efficiently. Bridges and Tunnels is ready for the start of this program and strongly encourages motorists to use E-ZPass and make sure their license plates are on their accounts, as that is how crossing credits, discounts and exemptions, where applicable, will be applied.”
Ten percent of revenue generated will go to Long Island Rail Road, 10 percent will go to Metro-North Railroad, and 80 percent will go to capital improvements on NYC Transit subways and buses.