The implementation of New York City’s congestion pricing plan has caused a stir on a single city block.
Drivers now have to pay $9 to travel along a one-block stretch of First Avenue between 60th and 61st streets after exiting the Queensboro Bridge, even if they are driving away from the toll zone.
Clement Foster, a Bronx resident, expressed his surprise at the new toll as he sat in his car on First Avenue. He mentioned that not having an E-ZPass would result in higher fees.
Other residents like cabbie Ilias Karanikolis from Astoria criticized the toll, stating that it would negatively impact the community.
With the new toll in effect, the Queensboro Bridge no longer offers a free ride into Manhattan from Queens and Brooklyn.
Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s congestion pricing plan, vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. will face the toll. The revenue generated will support the MTA’s capital plan.
Despite the intention to promote the use of public transportation, many New Yorkers are hesitant due to safety concerns in the subway system.
