Congestion pricing is just around the corner downtown

This is a means of raising money from people who drive into the central business district (in order) to fund upgrades to the public transit system.”

DANNY PEARLSTEIN, Riders Alliance spokesman

As early as next April, drivers are expected to literally pay the price for entering Manhattan’s center through the mass transit’s congestion pricing plan.

On May 5, the Federal Highway Administration tentatively approved the release of the final draft as it found no significant impact in the Central Business District Tolling Program.

The agency hoped to begin congestion pricing by the end of this year, but federal approval has caused setbacks in the effort.

The City Council says the delay will be costly for the transit system. According to a February financial plan, the move will cost roughly $250 million in 2024.

“I can’t say that I was a big supporter of congestion pricing by any stretch,” Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said last summer. But when it came down to his vote, Dinowitz favored it.

Congestion pricing was a part of the state budget deal in 2019 that required the agency to collect about $15 billion, or $1 billion annually, to support its capital plan. About 80 percent of the toll collections will go toward the subway and bus projects. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will direct the remaining 20 percent to the railroad and Metro-North.

The idea dates back to the 1970s when Singapore reduced vehicle traffic and improved pollution. It eventually translated to other countries like London and Sweden.

For the Bronx, it discourages drivers from coming into Manhattan below 60th Street near Central Park. The MTA predicts overall traffic will decrease by 20 percent and truck traffic by roughly 80 percent.

The West Side Highway and the FDR Drive will remain free, including the Battery Park underpass and roadways that connect to the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connecting to West Street.

Tolling infrastructure might be an eyesore to New Yorkers, but it is just another metal hanging fixture above the street. Similar to driving through cashless tolling on the George Washington Bridge, residents from New Jersey and New York might find some similarities.

The proposed tolling equipment will be attached to what would seem as a light fixture found on sidewalks northbound and southbound.

Traffic Mobility Review Board, which includes six members, will hold public meetings and hearing to determine the prices and exemptions. Drivers will need to wait to get an official answer for the cost. But last year, in a seven-scenario study, tolls ranged from $9 to $23 during peak hours and $5 to $12 overnight.

The MTA states, in 2019, the Traffic Mobility Act allows for charging passenger vehicles once daily for entering the central district. The change of toll rates varies on variable tolling — time and day. Residents making less than $60,000 will get a state tax credit for the program tolls paid. But, qualified authorized emergency vehicles transporting people with disabilities will be exempt from the program.

“This is a means of raising money from people who drive into the central business district (in order) to fund upgrades to the public transit system,” said Danny Pearlstein, spokesperson for Riders Alliance.

“It was spearheaded in 2019 by folks who are fed up with slow and unreliable subways, inaccessible stations and stalled buses,” he said.