DRIVERS in a major US city now face a $9-a-day congestion fee that went into effect over the weekend.
That’s despite the efforts of last-ditch legal battle to halt the controversial charge.
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New York City’s new congestion pricing started on Sunday and means drivers now have to fork out $9 to access the busiest parts of the city during peak hours.
The toll has come in an attempt to reduce traffic in the city, as well as raise money for its public transit infrastructure.
But it has sparked fury among many drivers, while advocacy groups have warned the measures could disproportionately affect low-income New Yorkers and small businesses.
New Jersey even filed a motion for an injunction, requesting a temporary restraining order on the charge – arguing it would cause harm to its residents, particularly those living near the George Washington Bridge.
According to ABC7, they believed drivers would look to avoid the new tolls at the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, leading to increased traffic on the GWB.
But a federal judge ultimately denied the injunction, allowing the congestion pricing plan to go ahead.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s office has said it plans to appeal the ruling.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair and CEO Janno Lieber told reporters on Friday: “We’ve been studying this issue for five years and it only takes about five minutes if you’re in midtown Manhattan to see that New York has a real traffic problem.”
The $9 surcharge covers every local street and avenue in Manhattan at or below 60th Street, at the south end of Central Park.
Trucks face the heftiest fees during peak hours; ranging from $14.40 to $21.60, depending on their size.
But driving on certain major routes through Manhattan will allow users to avoid a toll.
Those include FDR Drive and West Side Highway, which ring around the sides of the island.
The Battery Park Underpass, which connects FDR Drive and West Side Highway at the southern tip of Manhattan, is also exempt.
Passengers using rideshare apps, such as Uber and Lyft, won’t escape the tolls either, with an extra $1.50 surcharge added per ride, while New York yellow taxis will add on a $0.75 per ride fee.
The highest tolls will be in place between 5 am and 9 pm on weekdays and between 9 am and 9 pm on weekends, while tolls will be 75% cheaper outside of peak hours.
Most tolls will be collected through the E-ZPass system, with drivers without an E-ZPass to be sent a bill via mail and forced to pay a higher rate.
There are exceptions to the congestion pricing, which includes a free pass for emergency vehicles, specialized city vehicles, and buses with regular public routes or city school contracts.
What’s more, vehicles carrying disabled passengers and certain low-income commuters will also be given an exemption.
In addition, low-income drivers are eligible for tax credits and further discounts.
