Congestion pricing projections revealed by MTA: What New York City commuters might pay
The projections were included in an environmental review that includes seven possible tolling scenarios.
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Drivers could face congestion pricing tolls ranging anywhere from $9 to $23 when the plan goes into effect as early as the end of 2023.
The projections were included in an environmental review posted Wednesday morning that includes seven possible tolling scenarios.
None have been decided, with the final tolls to be set following a lengthy review process.
Drivers would pay the peak hour toll of $9, with peak defined as 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends, once per day when they exit the West Side Highway or FDR Drive into the congestion pricing zone.
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The entire $23 peak fare would be paid by drivers entering the zone from other directions.
That would offset a 100% rebate on the cost of the East River tolls, 100% of the off-peak toll for Port Authority crossings, and between 90% to 95% of the peak hour Port Authority toll.
Other tolls, according to models used by the report's authors to study the tolling program, could include the following:
--$7 to $17 during off-peak hours
--$5 to $12 overnight
Along with only being charged once per day to enter the zone, residents who live south of 60th Street would be able to claim the toll costs on their state income taxes if they make less than $60,000 per year.
Drivers coming from New Jersey through the Lincoln and Holland tunnels or the George Washington Bridge could receive a credit for tolls already paid in some of the seven scenarios.
For example, a driver who pays $13.75 at the George Washington Bridge would pay a congestion fee of just $9.25 to enter the Central Business District. Drivers entering from the avenues-or any of the un-tolled crossings, like the 59th Street Bridge-would pay the full congestion fee.
Drivers on the FDR or the West Side Highway would not be charged unless they exited into the Central Business District.
None of the scenarios, however, would fully credit New Jersey drivers for tolls paid before reaching the congestion pricing zone.
New Jersey Governor. Phil Murphy has said any congestion pricing plan that acts as "a double tax" on New Jersey drivers would be a non starter.
"No way it will happen," Murphy said last week.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day spoke for many suburban drivers.
"How sad is that? How much is it going to cost to cross a bridge to go to the city and come to work when you have no choice but to take a car," Day said.
The system would use a vast network of license plate and EZ pass readers, like those used on the MTA's bridges and tunnels.
The plan is expected to raise at least a billion dollars every year-revenue the agency is counting on to fund its capital plan and money to maintain and upgrade the transit system at a time when 40% of riders have yet to return to the subways, buses and the commuter trains.
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