New Yorkers are in for quite a surprise as a legal way to pay less for congestion pricing is being introduced. Starting on January 5, 2025, the Central Business District had 1,400 cameras installed with 110 detection points to track vehicles and apply new fees for all drivers as per the congestion pricing program. The program will generate revenue to modernize public transit. Having said that, motorists can choose to reduce the set price legally from $9 to just $1.05 by taking a few simple yet justified actions.
Considering the off-peak timing option
As per this new congestion pricing program, cars with E-ZPass pay $9 for active peak hours and about $2.25 for off-peak hours. Motorcycles are said to pay $4.50 at peak hours and $1.05 during off-peak hours.
The good news for all drivers is that entering a zone during off-peak hours means paying far less. At off-peak times, passenger vehicles have to pay $2.25, whilst motorcycles will be charged as little as $1.05. This is the cheapest way to enter Manhattan, and a great idea, as if more motorists choose to enter Manhattan during off-peak hours, there will be far less congestion in Manhattan during peak time as well. This is one technique that motorists can consider to save in terms of toll prices. Peak hours are said to be between 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during weekends.
The toll to enter New York City via the Lincoln and Holland tunnels, and the Outbridge crossing has seen an increase of $-.68, as has been stated by Port authorities. Nevertheless, it must be noted that drivers who do not have E-ZPass tend to pay about 50% more than those who have the E-ZPass.
The option of using your tunnel crossing credit
When it comes to entering the four major crossings, drivers will receive $3 credit, which can then be used to reduce the price paid at the congestion toll. Having this credit means that all standard vehicles passing the toll during peak hours will be responsible for paying $5 instead of $9. The four main crossings for which the tunnel crossing credit gets applied are:
- Holland
- Lincoln
- Queens-Midtown
- Hugh L. Carrey
While the credit is great, a few people can qualify for special rates as well as exemptions from paying the standard car toll rate of $9.
Other exemptions and special rates to keep in mind
There are people in the state who qualify for special rates and further payment relief. The people who qualify for exemptions and receive special rates are:
- People with disabilities
- Emergency vehicles
- TLC-licensed vehicles, whereby passengers are charged toll rates rather than drivers
- Low-income residents
- Buses and government fleet vehicles
There is also a lower rate for taxi and rideshare users. Drivers will pay about $0.75 for taxis and about $1.50 for rideshare vehicles. While the lower rate is rather desirable, the need to pay a full $9 in toll fees daily does seem rather pricey, and that is why these legal strategies can help considerably. New Yorkers will also have to get used to the idea of saying farewell to Clean Pass perks.
Laws making congestion prices not optional
Various lawsuits, including one from New Jersey, attempted to cancel the congestion pricing program before it even got started. For others, congestion pricing is seen as a win after many years of public meetings.
Nevertheless, the reality is that emergency responders will possibly pay around $45 weekly in order to pass the toll. With the pricing program in place, fewer vehicles, about 80,000 fewer cars, will pass by daily. This is not the first time that New Yorkers will be facing another crackdown, as drivers will have to face a new route in the state or receive a $150 fine. While the rules for passing a congestion area are tough, the new rule for passengers who will access the high-occupancy lanes of the Long Island Expressway can be considered tougher.
