'Everything adds up': Drivers react to new congestion pricing plan

MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11) – An MTA board is expected to vote on the new congestion pricing plan later Monday.

The toll now costs $9 to cross south of 60th Street in Manhattan, down from the $15 toll in the old plan. Discounts will be offered for low-income commuters and those driving during the overnight hours.

Gov. Kathy Hochul put the plan back on the table last week after pausing it over the summer. Transit advocates are celebrating the new tax, saying it will help reduce congestion in Midtown and provide billions of dollars in repairs to the rails.

Others believe drivers are paying for the MTA's inability to manage its finances.

"Everybody being tight on money these days. I’m commuting in from Long Island and have to pay for an MTA E-ZPass and everything adds up, definitely not in favor for it," said Anthony, a commuter.

The MTA has increased transit fares by roughly 4% every two years since 2009. There was a pause in price increases during the pandemic, but the next one is scheduled for 2025.

That could push subway and bus fares to $3 a ride.

The congestion pricing plan vote is expected to pass the MTA board, but it will still need a 30-day review period followed by the federal government signing off. President-elect Donald Trump promised to "terminate" the plan once he's in office.

Drivers are expected to be charged starting on Jan. 5, but there are also unresolved legal battles the plan faces.