NYC Congestion Pricing: Complete 2025 Guide
As of January 5, 2025, New York City has implemented the nation's first congestion pricing program. This guide covers everything you need to know about tolls, exemptions, and strategies for minimizing costs.
At a Glance: Toll Rates
Peak Hours
5am-9pm weekdays, 9am-9pm weekends
$9.00
Passenger vehicles (E-ZPass)
Off-Peak Hours
9pm-5am daily
$2.25
Passenger vehicles (E-ZPass)
* Tolls by mail (no E-ZPass) cost 50% more
What is Congestion Pricing?
Congestion pricing is a traffic management strategy that charges drivers a toll to enter a designated zone during high-traffic periods. NYC's program targets the Central Business District (CBD) of Manhattan—the area south of and including 60th Street.
The program aims to:
- Reduce traffic congestion by 10-20% in the zone
- Generate $1 billion annually for MTA capital improvements
- Improve air quality by reducing vehicle emissions
- Encourage public transit use for trips into Manhattan
Historical Context
NYC joins London (2003), Stockholm (2006), Singapore (1975), and Milan (2012) in implementing congestion pricing. London's program reduced central traffic by 15% and generates over £200 million annually for transit investment. NYC's program is expected to be the largest by revenue in the world.
Where Does It Apply?
The congestion pricing zone covers Manhattan's Central Business District:
Zone Boundaries
- North boundary: 60th Street (inclusive)
- South boundary: Battery Park
- East boundary: FDR Drive (excluded)
- West boundary: West Side Highway/Route 9A (excluded)
Through-Traffic Note
If you're driving on the FDR Drive, West Side Highway, or through the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel without exiting into the CBD, you are NOT charged. The toll only applies when entering Manhattan streets within the zone.
Complete Rate Structure
| Vehicle Type | Peak (E-ZPass) | Off-Peak (E-ZPass) | Toll by Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicle | $9.00 | $2.25 | $13.50 |
| Small truck (2 axles) | $14.40 | $3.60 | $21.60 |
| Large truck (3+ axles) | $21.60 | $5.40 | $32.40 |
| Motorcycles | $4.50 | $1.15 | $6.75 |
| Taxis/FHV (per trip) | $1.25 | $0.75 | — |
* Vehicles entering via tunnels/bridges with existing tolls receive crossing credits that reduce the congestion toll.
Exemptions and Discounts
Fully Exempt
- • Emergency vehicles (fire, police, ambulance)
- • Transit buses
- • Specialized government vehicles
- • Vehicles with disabled parking permits (subject to limits)
Discount Programs
- • Low-Income Discount: 50% off for qualifying residents
- • Clean vehicle credit: Reduced rates for EVs
- • Crossing credits: Partial offset for tunnel/bridge tolls
How to Apply for Low-Income Discount
- Visit new.mta.info
- Create an E-ZPass NY account if you don't have one
- Submit proof of income (tax returns or benefit eligibility)
- Residents earning under ~$50,000/year typically qualify
Strategies to Minimize Costs
1. Travel Off-Peak
The overnight rate ($2.25) is 75% cheaper than peak hours. If your schedule allows, shift trips to before 5am or after 9pm weekdays.
2. Get E-ZPass
Toll by mail costs 50% more than E-ZPass. The tag is free and saves you $4.50 per peak-hour trip.
3. Use Park & Ride
Park outside the zone (Secaucus, Jamaica, etc.) and take transit into Manhattan. Often cheaper than driving + parking + tolls.
4. Consolidate Trips
The toll is charged once per day. Multiple entries within a calendar day incur only one charge.
5. Consider Alternatives
For regular commuters, a monthly unlimited MetroCard ($132) may be cheaper than 15+ driving days at $9 each plus parking.
Annual Cost Analysis
Understanding the long-term financial impact is crucial for investment-minded drivers:
| Daily commuter (250 days/year at peak) | $2,250/year |
| Weekly visitor (52 trips/year at peak) | $468/year |
| Off-peak only (100 trips/year) | $225/year |
Invested at 7% annual return, the daily commuter's congestion toll cost over 10 years would compound to ~$31,000 in lost wealth creation. This makes transit alternatives increasingly attractive from a financial planning perspective.
Stay Informed
CityPing keeps NYC drivers informed about all transportation changes. Get daily alerts covering:
- ✓Congestion pricing updates and policy changes
- ✓ASP suspension alerts (avoid parking tickets)
- ✓MTA subway service alerts for transit planning
- ✓Weather-based driving advisories
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the NYC congestion pricing toll?
The standard toll is $9 for passenger vehicles during peak hours (5am-9pm weekdays, 9am-9pm weekends) with E-ZPass. Off-peak hours (9pm-5am) cost $2.25. Toll by mail is 50% higher.
Who is exempt from NYC congestion pricing?
Emergency vehicles, transit buses, and certain government vehicles are fully exempt. Vehicles with disabled parking permits receive exemptions with limits. Low-income drivers can apply for a 50% discount.
Do I get charged multiple times per day?
No. You are only charged once per calendar day, regardless of how many times you enter or exit the zone. However, different rate periods (peak vs. off-peak) may apply based on your first entry.
Do Uber/Lyft passengers pay the congestion toll?
Yes, but indirectly. Taxis and for-hire vehicles pay a per-trip surcharge ($1.25 peak, $0.75 off-peak) that is typically passed on to passengers. This is lower than the full toll but still increases ride costs in the zone.
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