First US city to impose congestion charge, congressman calls on Trump for help

New York on January 5 began implementing a controversial plan to charge drivers to enter certain areas of the US city.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced in November 2024 that drivers entering areas of Manhattan south of New York City's Central Park will have to pay a daytime toll of $9, according to AFP.

A plan to charge drivers to reduce congestion took effect in New York City (USA) on January 5.

The plan revives an original plan that Ms. Hochul halted in June, saying it had “too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers.” The original plan had a base fee of $15.

The toll scheme was intended to reduce congestion and help fund the New York subway system. Ms Hochul said the plan was revived after a review showed it would be more effective at a lower fee.

The local MTA posted a video on Instagram showing CEO Janno Lieber announcing the "congestion relief zone" sign before the system was activated, to cheers from a small audience.

Meanwhile, the New York Post criticized the MTA's "joyous event" as being staged "hours before the driver suffered the pain."

Republican lawmakers have called on President-elect Donald Trump to intervene to end the tolls. Trump, a New Yorker, has pledged to scrap the plan if elected.

New York City neighborhoods have argued that a fee would hurt their businesses and undermine residents' ability to commute into Manhattan.

Several elected New York City county officials as well as a powerful trade group representing transit companies have opposed the toll plan.

Taxi drivers' associations also oppose the plan. Their members will not pay the toll themselves, but affected customers will be charged an additional fee.

There are several exemptions to the basic fee, as well as a low-income discount program. There are also discounts for drivers who enter the toll zone more than 10 times a month.

Similar toll schemes have been in place for years in other major cities including London and Stockholm, but US cities will be watching closely to see how New York's tolls impact both traffic and revenue, AFP reported.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thanh-pho-dau-tien-o-my-thu-phi-un-tac-nghi-si-cau-cuu-ong-trump-185250106111913491.htm