Vehicles pass a congestion pricing sign on Park Avenue on the first day of New York City's planned congestion pricing program to charge drivers for entering the central business district in Manhattan below 60th street in New York City, US, January 5, 2025. REUTERS/Adam Gray

Vehicles drive into Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge on the first day of New York City's planned congestion pricing program to charge drivers for entering the central business district in Manhattan below 60th street in New York City, US, January 5, 2025. REUTERS/Adam Gray

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New York Introduces US$9 Congestion Charge For Vehicles In US first

06/01/2025 07:08 PM

NEW YORK, Jan 6 (Bernama-dpa) -- New York on Sunday introduced a toll for vehicles entering the Manhattan neighbourhood, becoming the first US metropolis to charge drivers in its city centre, reported German news agency dpa.

"Congestion Relief Zone tolling is now in effect," the Metropolitan Transportation Authority wrote on X.

The fee amounts to US$9, with some exemptions for low-income drivers.

The congestion zone applies to the southern part of Manhattan, up to 60th Street.

The toll is intended to reduce traffic and pollution in New York, with the money collected to be channelled into public transport and infrastructure projects.

The congestion charge was initially supposed to be introduced in the middle of last year and cost US$15, but the plan was halted by New York Governor Kathy Hochul amid protests and lawsuits from politicians, taxi drivers and residents.

The neighbouring state of New Jersey has voiced concerns, with US President-elect Donald Trump also criticising the plans.

--BERNAMA-dpa

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