Jan. 5, 2025 By Barbara Russo-Lennon After five years of debate, legal battles, false starts and logistical challenges, congestion pricing finally became a reality in New York at the stroke of midnight Sunday. The MTA’s first-in-the-nation tolling program now charges all motorists heading into areas of Manhattan south of 60th Street a $9 toll,…
Dec. 26, 2024 By Barbara Russo-Lennon Two New York political leaders abruptly vetoed the MTA’s $68 billion budget to fix mass transit. Although the MTA Board approved the five-year spending plan on Sept. 25, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie sent the MTA a rejection letter on Christmas Eve,…
Dec. 26, 2024 By Ethan Stark-Miller While Donald Trump’s re-election stole the political spotlight nationally in 2024, there were plenty of stories keeping the New York political sphere buzzing. From a series of clashes between Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council to Adams’ indictment on federal corruption charges, the year in local politics…
Dec. 5, 2024 By Barbara Russo-Lennon Congestion pricing will dent the wallets of many New Yorkers, but the MTA explained Thursday low-income drivers may qualify for a reduced fare to enter Manhattan south of and including 60th Street. MTA officials said during a congestion pricing webinar on Thursday that low-income vehicle owners can apply…
Dec. 4, 2024 By John J. Ciafone, Esq. The congestion price tax by the MTA will have devastating and lasting effects, toppling once the greatest City in the world. The middle class and working class will suffer immeasurably since many rely on their vehicles to go to work as they live in transportation deserts.…
Nov. 21, 2024 By Ben Brachfeld and Robert Pozarycki The MTA will host eight webinars over the month of December for New Yorkers to learn more about the forthcoming Central Business District Tolling Program — better known as congestion pricing — which begins on Jan. 5. Each online program, the MTA said, will explain…
Nov. 18, 2024 By Ben Brachfeld The MTA Board on Monday approved the new, reduced congestion pricing program, setting up the hotly anticipated start of tolling for cars and trucks driving into Manhattan below 60th Street in the new year. The transit agency’s new congestion pricing plan will start at a $9 base toll…
Nov. 17, 2024 By Janno Lieber Gov. Kathy Hochul promised action on congestion pricing, and she delivered. The MTA Board will vote Monday to approve her phase-in plan for a reduced $9 toll for drivers entering the Central Business District starting Jan. 5, 2025. Media coverage of the “un-pausing” has largely focused on the…
Nov. 15, 2024 By Shane O’Brien Elected officials and local leaders across Queens expressed mixed reactions to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to bring back congestion pricing for motorists entering Manhattan below 60th street. Hochul announced Thursday that the toll, which is now set to go into effect in January, will be reduced to a…
Nov. 14, 2024 By Ben Brachfeld Gov. Kathy Hochul officially revived congestion pricing at a Thursday announcement. The Manhattan tolls, which will take effect at the start of 2025, were slashed by 40% from the rates that were originally approved under the paused June plan. The toll for most motorists entering Manhattan south of…