In January, the Congestion Tax on vehicles entering the Central Business District of Manhattan was finally implemented. The tax will charge small vehicles that enter the area $9 during the daytime and $2.25 otherwise. In the case of small and large trucks, they will have to pay $14.40 and $21.60 respectively during the day, and will get similar discounts for nighttime travel.
Commuters have expressed mixed emotions about the new Congestion Tax. One one hand, many commuters and city residents agree that the heavy traffic in the area can be very frustrating during the daytime and rush hour. The increase in toll prices should push more people to commute into the city by public transportation, as many already do. The increase in public transportation will not only decrease traffic in the area, but also reduce the carbon emissions from vehicles in the area. However, the increase the in demand for public transportation will inevitably cause bus, train, and subway prices to increase further. Some of these increases have already occurred in anticipation for the congestion tax implication, which some commuters have already expressed their displeasure.
The majority of the money from the Congestion Tax will be used to enable the MTA to issue $15 billion in bonds, enabling the agency to rebuild and enhance their numerous public transportation systems. These improvements have been promised for years, but the Congestion Tax has finally cemented these changes.
Source: https://www.nrdc.org/bio/eric-goldstein/busting-myths-new-yorks-congestion-pricing-program
I've heard a lot of controversy surrounding this. I expect that this will definitely upset drivers.
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