With New York City’s congestion pricing kicking off on January 5, commuters are preparing for an extra $9 toll on their rush-hour ride into the city.
The program, the first of its kind in the country, aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and generate nearly $15 billion in revenue for urban transportation programs.
Passenger cars and small commercial vehicles entering the “congestion zone”, including SUVs, pick-up trucks and small vans, will be required to pay tolls between peak periods of 5am to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 9pm on weekends, unless a exemption granted. These vehicles will be charged $2.25 during the overnight period.
Can You Avoid Congestion Pricing in NYC? And other frequently asked questions
Where is the Congestion Pricing Zone in NYC?
Starting January 5, vehicles entering most parts of Midtown and Lower Manhattan (local streets and avenues below 60th Street) will be charged a $9 toll. NYC uses a cashless “toll per license plate” system, so drivers can expect to receive a bill in the mail (sent to the address the vehicle is registered to) or be charged to their E Z-Pass account.
NYC congestion pricing map
Can apps like Waze and Google Maps avoid traffic congestion charges?
Commuters looking to avoid congestion charges may have difficulty finding a way around the congestion charge zone, especially if your destination falls within the area.
GPS apps for smartphones such as Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze are often used when searching for directions and usually include an option to “exclude tolls” from your route.
Waze in particular is a fan favorite because users can submit their own updates on things like accidents, traffic, and more.
Unlike Apple Maps, Waze allows users to preview toll costs before hitting the road. Google Maps also has that function.
However, according to the app’s support page, Waze does not charge toll prices for toll roads based on congestion. In these cases you will receive a message that the toll amount varies.
Are there freeways in NYC that are not affected by congestion pricing?
The following routes are not included in the congestion pricing plan:
-
FDR Drive through Manhattan
-
Route 9A/West Side Highway through Manhattan
-
Battery Park underpass connecting FDR Drive to Route 9A
-
Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connections to West Street
Can You Avoid Congestion Pricing in NYC?
The MTA says state residents with an EZ Pass can receive lower tolls and applicable crossing credits, discounts and exemptions within the congestion zone if their EZ Pass is linked to their current driver’s license.
Crossing credits can be applied to vehicles with valid EZ Passes entering the congestion zone during peak hours as they enter the Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Queens-Midtown Tunnel and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, which are already tolled.
New York residents who live within the congestion zone will still be charged a congestion fee once a day, depending on what time they are in the zone. No fees will be charged on days when a vehicle is parked in the zone, or if the vehicle travels exclusively within the zone. However, area residents with incomes of less than $60,000 may qualify for a tax credit for the toll.
Other residents who require disability services can also request toll discounts and waivers for their vehicles.
This article originally appeared in Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Congestion pricing NYC: Can Waze help you avoid tolls? See our map
