The first congestion scheme for vehicles in the United States officially became effective in New York City this year.
Drivers who own cars will pay up to $9 (£7) to drive in the city, with varying rates for vehicles of other sizes.
“The system has been in operation since midnight [05:00 GMT Sunday],” Janno Lieber, the CEO of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), was quoted as telling reporters.
Over 1,400 cameras cover over 400 lanes of traffic. Lieber added that there were over 110 detection points and 800 signs.
Resistance to the Scheme
President-elect Donald Trump was among those who resisted the scheme. Still, Lieber stated that he was confident that agreements with the government would stand up to changes within the administration.
The congestion zone covers an area south of Central Park, including well-known sites such as the Empire State Building and Times Square, as well as the financial district surrounding Wall Street. The scheme aims to ease New York’s traffic problems while raising billions for the city’s public transportation network.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul advocated for the congestion charge two years ago. However, the plan was delayed and revised following complaints from commuters and businesses. The new plan revives one scheme that Governor Hochul paused in June, during which she said there were “too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers.”
New Charges for Unassuming Drivers
Most drivers will be charged $9 once a day to enter the congestion zone at peak hours and $2.25 at other times. Other drivers, such as those in small trucks and non-commuter buses, will pay $14.40 to enter Manhattan during peak times, while larger trucks and tourist buses will pay a $21.60 fee.
Hours after the scheme fell into effect, traffic was moving along the northern edge of the congestion zone at 60th Street and 2nd Avenue. However, many motorists appeared unaware of the newly activated cameras set along the arm of a steel gantry over the street, which would soon charge their E-Z passes.
“Drivers are going to start to see the toll charges appearing on their E-Z Pass bills in a few days,” Mr Lieber said later.
Opposition to the charges has been widespread.
New Jersey estate agent Chris Smith asked, “Are you kidding me? Whose idea was this? Kathy Hochul? She should be arrested for being ignorant.”
The most high-profile opposition has come from President-elect Donald Trump, a native New Yorker who has vowed to end the scheme when he returns to office. Local Republicans have already asked for Trump to intervene.
Congressman Mike Lawler, representing a suburban district north of New York City, asked Trump to commit to “ending this absurd congestion pricing cash grab once and for all” this past November.
11th-hour Effort Shut Down
On January 3, a judge denied an 11th-hour effort to block the scheme because of its environmental impact on surrounding areas.
New York was named the world’s most congested urban area for the second year in a row, based on a report from INRIX, a traffic data analysis firm.
According to the INRIX report, during peak periods in the first quarter of last year, vehicles in downtown Manhattan drove at 11mph (17km/h).
Among those welcoming the newly implemented scheme was Phil Bauer, a surgeon who lives in midtown Manhattan.
“I think the idea would be good to try to minimize the amount of traffic down and try to promote people to use public transportation,” he said.
