NJ Drivers May Soon Pay New Tolls In New York City

NEW JERSEY — Soon, the tolls that New Jersey commuters pay to get into New York City through the George Washington Bridge or tunnels ($16 cash, less with EZ Pass) may not be the only price they pay for driving through Manhattan.

Starting Wednesday, several New York agencies will engage in a series of steps and hearings to sculpt a "Central Business District (CBD) Tolling Program" to charge out-of-area drivers a toll for driving within Midtown — otherwise known as "congestion pricing."

The CBD Tolling Program, which would likely start in 2024, is meant to "lower traffic and help MTA [the Metropolitan Transportation Authority] improve its transit system," the MTA says.

There also could be environmental impacts.

"Vehicles that enter or remain in Manhattan’s CBD would be tolled," says an explanation on the MTA website. "Prior studies have shown that programs similar to the CBD Tolling Program can improve air quality."

Also, "Investing in an improved mass transit system could help promote equity by providing expanded access to the system."

Fewer Cars, More Mass Transit

In effect, they want fewer cars on the streets, and more money to promote mass transit instead.

Those who live in New York may get an exemption or lower monthly rate instead, said a report on NJ 101.5.

This coming Wednesday, four transportation agencies — the Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York City Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration — will release an Environmental Assessment of the proposed tolling program.

This will kick off a 30-day public comment period on the environmental impacts, which will close Sept. 9.

Six Public Hearings This Month

There will be six public hearings this month — virtually, so you won't have to drive in Manhattan to get to them.

They will take place Aug. 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31, 2022. Links to the schedule and login information are here.

Reports say the pricing will likely affect the areas of Manhattan south of 60th Street.

Find out more about the hearings and the plan here. Comment below.