NEW YORK (PIX11) – Locals can have their voices heard on congestion pricing, which could hit New York City roads by mid-June, at a public hearing Thursday evening.
License and E-Zpass readers have already been installed around the tolling zone in Manhattan – which will have drivers paying to enter Manhattan south of 60th street.
And on Thursday at 6 p.m., a public hearing will be held at 2 Broadway, across from the Bowling Green subway station, for locals to discuss the potential new rules. The hearing will also be live streamed online.
The area “has some of the worst traffic in the country,” which takes a significant toll on locals, costs the city productivity and slows down emergency vehicles, according to the MTA.
Congestion pricing – which will cost $15 for cars during the day and $3.75 during the night – could be rolled out by mid-June, officials said earlier this month.
Exemptions will include FDR Drive, West Side Highway, the Hugh L Carrey Tunnel to West Street and certain vehicles – like emergency vehicles, transit and commuter buses, government vehicles and more. Toll prices also vary by vehicle type, reaching $36 for trucks and buses and only up to $2.50 for app-based for-hire vehicles.
The tolling program has been slowed by pushback and lawsuits calling into question the rollout, environmental impact and effectiveness.
“Nobody wants congestion pricing. It couldn’t be more obvious,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino.
But a slew of locals do, and they’re rallying to show their support Thursday evening before the public hearing, calling on the MTA to move congestion pricing forward and use revenue to bolster the city’s public transit system.
“I've long supported congestion pricing, a necessary tool for reducing pollution [and] fixing our aging transit system,” said Assembly Member Emily Gallagher. “But New Yorkers should experience immediate improvements to service when it starts.”
Public hearings will also be held Friday at 10 a.m. and Monday at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered local news for years. She has been with PIX11 since 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter.
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