Starting Wednesday, the MTA will host eight public webinars on congestion pricing — the plan to toll drivers who enter Manhattan south of 60th Street.
Congestion pricing is slated to start Jan. 5, with a base toll of $9 for drivers in the “congestion relief zone.” Gov. Kathy Hochul ended her “indefinite” pause of the program last month, lowering the toll from an originally planned $15 charge. Federal officials have approved the revived plan as well.
Tolls of $9 will apply to vehicles during peak periods, unless they remain on the West Side Highway, FDR Drive or the Battery Park Underpass. The toll is $2.25 during the overnight period, down from the original $3.75. Costs are higher for commercial traffic.
Some limited discounts are available, including for vehicle owners who already pay tolls to cross the Lincoln or Holland tunnels into Manhattan during peak hours, and for vehicles owners who made less than $50,000 in the previous year. Tax rebates are available for some drivers who live in the congestion zone as well.
The MTA says its webinars will explain how congestion pricing works, the available discounts and “how the program benefits the region.” Sessions will also include a Q&A period.
Participants must register online for the sessions to attend.
One webinar will cover atolling exemption for vehicles used by people with disabilities that prevent them from using public transportation, or their caregivers. That session is Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Another webinar will cover discounts for low-income drivers. That session is Thursday at 2 p.m.
General webinars are Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 6 at 12:30 p.m; Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m; Monday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m.; and Thursday, Dec. 19, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m.
Participants can submit questions in advance through the registration links.
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