Sunday is a double toll-trouble day for Jersey drivers going to Manhattan.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s controversial congestion pricing plan, which survived a last-minute court challenge, begins Sunday morning — along with a 3% toll increase at Port Authority bridges and tunnels that also kicks in this weekend.
New Jersey attorneys made good on a promise to appeal to judges who have ruled the congestion pricing can start.
New Jersey’s attorney Randy Mastro filed a notice of appeal of U.S. International Court of Trade Judge Leo M. Gordon Dec. 30 opinion that upheld the federal approvals the controversial program received in June 2023 to proceed. That is one of several steps before an actual appeal is filed, he said Friday night after Gordon denied New Jersey’s motion to temporarily stop the start of congestion pricing.
“This is a huge weekend in New York, congestion pricing goes live (late) Saturday night into Sunday,” said Janno Lieber, MTA CEO at a press conference. “People can make more claims… this is the moment congestion pricing is starting.”
Starting midnight Sunday, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey tolls also increase to $14.06 for drivers paying with E-ZPass entering outside peak periods, $16.06 during peak hours and $18.31 for non-E-ZPass passenger vehicle drivers.
Is it really starting?
Barring an unlikely stay by the court of appeals, all lights are green.
Congestion pricing, which was made a New York state law in 2019, was created to help reduce traffic, crashes and air pollution in Manhattan and raise $1 billion annually for subway, bus and commuter rail projects by charging a fee for drivers to enter Manhattan’s central business district south of 60th Street.
It is the first such program in the nation. London and Stockholm have similar programs. A projected 80,000 to 110,000 commuters are forecasted to switch from driving to transit to avoid the fee, MTA officials said.
What’s the cost, how do I pay?
Non-commercial passenger vehicles using E-ZPass will pay $9 during peak periods between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. weekdays and on weekends between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Off-peak rates will be $2.25 in the overnight period. These vehicles would only be charged once a day to enter the central business district.
Non-commercial passenger vehicles that are not equipped with E-ZPass will pay a higher toll of $13.50 during peak periods and $3.30 off-peak. Drivers would receive a $3 toll credit for using the Holland or Lincoln Tunnels. Those using the George Washington Bridge receive no discount. Larger vehicles pay higher rates based on size
For-hire vehicles and taxis will charge a congestion fee to customers. Motorcycles will pay less.
Congestion pricing uses similar all-electronic toll collection technology that the Port Authority and MTA already use at bridges and tunnels. Readers and cameras installed near 60th street capture vehicle license plates and send a bill to the vehicle owner for the toll. Don’t ignore it, because fines and penalty fees roll up for late payment and outright violations.
What’s the total cost to drive?
Considering driving in to see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, take in a play, a concert or sporting event? Here’s what it will cost you.
Congestion pricing provides a $3 peak period toll credit for drivers using the Holland and Lincoln Tunnel. No credit is provided for the George Washington Bridge. No toll credit is offered overnight because the toll is 75% less, according to the MTA.
The other pricing issue in calculating total cost is Port Authority and congestion pricing peak hours are slightly different. They are weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. All other times are off peak.
A peak-hour trip for both congestion pricing and the Port Authority will cost a total of $22.06 for E-ZPass customers, based on a $16.06 bridge or tunnel toll and a congestion fee with the toll credit applied.
A trip during Port Authority off-peak hours and congestion pricing peak hours will cost a total of $20.06 for E-ZPass drivers, based on a $14.06 toll and $6 congestion fee, deducting the toll credit.
The cheapest trip is during off peak hours for both for a total toll of $16.31, representing a $14.06 bridge and tunnel toll and $2.25 off peak congestion pricing fee.
Drivers who don’t use E-ZPass will pay the highest tolls for both. The Port Authority charges non-E-Zpass drivers $18.31 and there is no off-peak discount.
Non-E-ZPass drivers will pay the highest toll during peak hours for both, resulting in an astounding $28.61, based on an $18.31 tunnel toll and a $10.30 congestion pricing charge after the $3 toll credit is applied.
The only off-peak break comes from the lower $3.30 congestion pricing fee, for a total toll of $21.61, adding the non-E-ZPass Port Authority toll.
Are there discounts?
There are congestion pricing discount programs, but you need an E-ZPass account from a New York toll agency to qualify. This presents a dilemma for New Jersey drivers, who potentially would lose their New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway discounts if they switch from a New Jersey issued E-ZPass.
The more complicated discounts also require approval of an application that can be filed on the MTA website.
The Individual Disability Exemption Plan addresses a concerns about the cost for people who require medical treatment at facilities in the congestion zone.
This discount can cover a patient or caregiver providing transportation.
Three things are required: obtaining a New York E-ZPass, filling out an online application and making an appointment at an Assessment Center. Once a person has been determined to be eligible, they would apply for exemption for their vehicle or a caregiver’s vehicle.
A discount for people with low incomes is available to New York and New Jersey residents. This provides a 50% discount that kicks in after the first 10 trips in a calendar month, and applies to all peak period trips after that.
To qualify, vehicle owners must have reported a federal adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less for the previous calendar year or be enrolled in a qualifying government assistance program and fill out and file an online application.
Individuals must provide either an IRS Form 1040 or Tax Return Transcript and corresponding W-2s from the most recent tax year, or poof they are enrolled a government assistance program. They also must have an E-ZPass issued in New York.
Stories by Larry Higgs
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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry