New York residents will have to pay for driving in the city: How much will it cost and who has to pay?
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has approved a charge for driving on the streets of New York. How much will the fee be and who will be affected?
In an attempt to improve air quality and reduce traffic in New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has approved a toll rate for people traveling by car.
The decision has caused controversy between supporters of the proposal and those who refuse to pay up to $15 to travel in their own car, but who does this new payment really affect?
READ ALSO: Several states to allow the sale of recreational marijuana in 2024
New toll rate in New York: Who will it affect?
The New York Congestion Pricing program aims to charge motorists traveling on the streets of midtown Manhattan, specifically those crossing south of 60th Street.
The rate will be applicable to private cars, including taxis, as well as motorcycles and large and small trucks. Government vehicles, such as garbage trucks, are the only ones that are exempt from the fee, while people with some type of disability and those who travel at certain times may receive a discount.
READ ALSO: How much will the minimum wage increase in New York in 2024?
How much will the toll rate be for driving in New York?
Although the report with the official rates will not be released until Thursday, Dec. 7, various media have had access to an advance copy, which states that the daily rate for vehicles traveling through Manhattan will be as follows:
- $15 for cars
- $7.50 for motorcycles.
- $24 for small trucks
- $36 for large trucks and cargo vans
- $1.25 for yellow taxis
- $2.50 for application taxis
People who drive during the week between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. and on weekends between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. can get a 75% discount. People with disabilities will also pay less, but the discount has not yet been disclosed.
The measure will affect some 143,000 motorists who drive daily on the streets of Manhattan, while payment collection will be carried out through electronic toll machines, whose installation has already been 60% completed.