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Today marks the one-year anniversary of New York City's controversial congestion pricing toll, which began on January 5, 2025. The program charges drivers $9 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street. According to Governor Kathy Hochul's office, the toll has generated over $500 million in revenue. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reports that vehicle speeds have increased at the Holland Tunnel and the Queensboro and Williamsburg bridges, while the number of daily vehicle trips into the congestion zone has decreased.
The Trump administration has criticized the toll, labeling it a tax. Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill argues that the toll funds the MTA at the expense of New Jersey commuters and worsens traffic in New Jersey. Sherrill has even suggested implementing a similar toll for New Yorkers attending FIFA World Cup games at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this summer, as reported by NJ.com.
The congestion pricing program has faced legal challenges. The MTA sued the U.S. Department of Transportation after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attempted to terminate the program. A court hearing is scheduled for January 28 to determine the program's future, as NJ.com reports.
Despite the controversy, the program has met many of its goals, including reducing traffic in the congestion zone by 12% and improving travel times through the Lincoln and Holland tunnels. The toll for E-ZPass users will remain at $9 until its next scheduled increase in 2028.
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