NYC congestion pricing gets final administrative approval

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- The Federal Highway Administration has accepted the final plan for congestion pricing in New York City, including the phased-in cost structure.

The approval was expected as the agencies have been communicating, and initial approval had also been granted earlier in the process.

Commissioners for the state and city departments of transportation also signed the official document.

The remaining potential roadblocks are legal challenges.

On Friday, the Town of Hempstead and a neighbor filed suit in Nassau County challenging the MTA vote and public process.

"The governor knows this will go down if the new administration is given a chance. The concept that she's doing you a favor by lowering the fee is astonishing," Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said.

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber remains confident, including that the federal approval will stand during President Trump's administration.

"We are comfortable that we followed all the rules. There's other litigation and they'll have to run their course," Lieber said.

MTA officials, transit advocates and riders are focusing on the transit improvements and hope for reduced congestion.

"We're not going to put our head in the sand and say we can’t do anything about it," Lieber said.

A federal court judge in Manhattan has previously ruled the environmental process was followed. A federal case in Newark brought by the State of New Jersey has not been decided. That could come at any time.

The fee was lowered from $15 to $9 when congestion pricing was unpaused by Gov. Kathy Hochul last week. Vehicles using the tunnels get a $3 crossing credit during peak time.

It is 75% lower during off-peak hours, which begin at 9 p.m. and run to 5 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends.

It does increase in 2028, and in 2031 it goes to $15.

In December, the MTA will hold information sessions to describe the program and process for exemptions. Low-income people making less than $50,000 and people traveling with disabilities should check their eligibility.

The cameras are tested and ready along the commercial district boundaries at 60th Street and at cross streets off the FDR and Westside Highway.