MTA board approves congestion pricing

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board has voted to approve its congestion pricing plan. The board gave its final approval at a board meeting on Wednesday.

The plan could go into effect as early as June, though there are several lawsuits trying to stop the plan.

Under the plan, motorists would pay at least $15 to enter Manhattan’s Central Business district, below 60th Street. The MTA also said there will be certain exemptions. 

The board approved the plan 11-to-1, according to published reports.

The MTA took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to announce the news on Wednesday, saying: “It’s a historic day: Today, the MTA Board voted to approve the toll rates for the nation’s first congestion pricing program. This program will reduce traffic in Manhattan’s central business district, reduce pollution, and provide critical funding for transit improvements.

“The vote follows an extensive outreach period—with tens of thousands of people weighing in through comments and at public hearings—and the FHWA’s Finding of No Significant Impact. We are grateful to those who took the time to share their views,” the MTA said on X.

“The approved toll rates align with those recommended last year by the Traffic Mobility Review Board,” the MTA said. “We’re ready for the next steps, and expect to implement the program soon.”

More information about the plan is available here.