NEW YORK BECOMES FIRST U.S. CITY TO INTRODUCE CONGESTION CHARGES – Car drivers will pay up to $9 daily with different rates for other vehicles
New York City has implemented the first congestion charge scheme for vehicles in the United States.
Car drivers will pay up to $9 per day, with varying rates for other vehicles. According to Janno Lieber, CEO of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), the system went live at midnight (05:00am GMT) on Sunday 5th January 2025.
The scheme covers 400 traffic lanes monitored by over 1,400 cameras, with 110 detection points and 800 signs now in place. The congestion zone encompasses areas south of Central Park, including landmarks like the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Wall Street.
The initiative aims to tackle New York’s traffic congestion and generate billions for the public transport system. Governor Kathy Hochul first proposed the charge two years ago, but its implementation was delayed after concerns were raised by commuters and businesses.
