$15 traffic toll in Manhattan is approved, a first in US

Drivers in New York City will soon face a $15 toll to enter the heart of Manhattan, marking the first such congestion pricing toll in the United States aimed at reducing traffic and pollution. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved the congestion pricing plan, set to start in June. The plan, largely unchanged from earlier proposals, will not include exemptions for various commuter groups despite their requests.

In 2019, the state Legislature approved tolls aimed at generating $1 billion annually to support the subway and bus systems used by New York City’s 4 million daily commuters.

New York City transit officials have approved a “congestion pricing” plan, designed to encourage commuters to opt for public transportation, thereby alleviating the city’s notorious bumper-to-bumper traffic. The revenue generated from the toll is intended to fund improvements to the subway system.

However, opponents argue that the toll represents a financial burden on workers and could lead to higher overall prices in the city.