The Traffic Mobility Review Board (TMRB) laid out potential scenarios for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA’s) congestion pricing toll program on October 3, although no final determinations had been made, as of late-October. The TMRB offered four options for what TLC-licensed drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street could face starting in May 2024… each featuring a small per-trip fee, so riders absorb the cost, rather than TLC drivers. “Regular” commuters and visitors will likely pay daily for entering into or driving around Manhattan’s Central Business District (CBD).
Discounts for crossing MTA tunnels during certain hours were part of the conversation. The Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges would not be eligible for discounts since they’re overseen by the city’s Department of Transportation.
Scenario One: Taxis and traditional black cars and liveries would face a $1.50 charge per trip, and for-hire app-hail vehicles would face a $2 per-trip fee.
Scenario Two: Taxis and traditional black cars and liveries would face a $1 charge per trip, and for-hire app-hail vehicles would be charged $1.50 per trip – with both receiving a 50% nighttime discount from 10:00pm to 5:00am.
Scenario Three: Taxis and traditional black cars and liveries would face a $1 fee and app-hail cars would be hit with a $2 fee, but both groups would receive a 75% discount from 10:00pm to 5:00am, along with $0.75 discounts for trips that FHVs take within the CBD from 5:00am to 10:00pm. During that time, most drivers would receive a $5 crossing credit, with the discount upped to 75% during that scenario’s evening hours, which would apply to all vehicles entering the CBD.
Scenario Four: Taxis would be charged $1.50 and app-hail vehicles would pay $2 per trip, with a 50% nighttime discount from 10:00pm to 5:00am.
Source: SI Live
