New York City’s congestion pricing plan is set to begin on January 5, leaving New Jersey commuters bracing for a potential financial double whammy. Drivers heading into Manhattan below 60th Street will pay an estimated $9 toll per trip, with an additional $16 toll for Port Authority crossings. This translates to a daily cost of around $22, or approximately $5,700 annually.
Commuters are already feeling the pinch, with one driver estimating their daily commute costs could exceed $50. While public transit may seem like an alternative, New Jersey Transit faces its own challenges, including delays, cancellations, and disruptions. The system recently saw a 15% fare increase on July 1, with further hikes planned.
The Regional Plan Association supports the congestion pricing initiative but emphasizes that improving public transit systems is crucial to its success. “90% of people coming into Manhattan south of 60th Street for work are already using public transit,” said an RPA representative. The organization aims to address both congestion pricing and NJ Transit issues separately, with further toll increases scheduled for 2028 and 2031.
New Jersey lawmakers will return to court on Friday to argue that the tolls will disproportionately harm residents and families.
Source: https://www.fox5ny.com/news/nyc-congestion-pricing-could-cost-nj-commuters-much-22-day