Congestion Relief Zone Tolls Begin Sunday

By Y.M. Lowy

Starting this Sunday, January 5, vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan will be charged a toll. The new toll system applies to local streets and avenues at or below 60th Street. This initiative is designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and provide funding for public transportation improvements in the city.

The toll for passenger vehicles with E-ZPass will be $9 during peak hours (5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends). Vehicles without E-ZPass will incur a $13.50 toll. The toll will increase to $12 in 2028 and then $15 in 2031.

Certain vehicles are exempt from the toll, including emergency vehicles, school buses, and vehicles transporting people with disabilities.

Vehicles using the Holland and Lincoln tunnels will receive a credit of $1.50 toward the congestion toll, while those using the Hugh L. Carey and Queens–Midtown tunnels will receive a $3.00 credit.

The toll will be collected once per day when entering the Congestion Relief Zone. There will be no additional fees, charges, or fines during the first 60 days of implementation.