With the rollout of congestion pricing in New York City to start Jan. 5, commuters are bracing for an additional $9 toll on their rush hour trip into the city.
The program, first of its kind in the nation, aims to reduce gridlock traffic, improve air quality and raise nearly $15 billion in revenue for city transportation programs.
Passenger cars and small commercial vehicles entering the “congestion relief zone,” including SUVs, pick-up trucks and small vans, will be tolled between the peak periods of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, unless granted an exemption. These vehicles will be charged $2.25 during overnight periods.
Can you avoid NYC congestion pricing? And other frequently asked questions
Where is the congestion pricing zone in NYC?
Starting Jan. 5, vehicles entering most parts of midtown and lower Manhattan (local streets and avenues below 60th Street) will be charged a $9 toll. NYC uses a cashless “toll by plate” system, so drivers can expect to receive a bill in the mail (sent to the address the vehicle is registered to) or be charged via their E Z-Pass account.
NYC congestion pricing map
Can apps like Waze, Google Maps avoid congestion charges?
Commuters looking to avoid congestion pricing may be hard pressed to find a way around the congestion pricing zone, especially if your destination falls within the area.
Smartphone GPS apps like Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze are commonly used when seeking out directions, and most often will include an option to “exclude tolls” from your route.
Waze in particular is a fan favorite, as users are able to submit their own updates on things like accidents, traffic and more.
Unlike Apple Maps, Waze allows users to preview the cost of tolls before they hit the road. Google Maps also has that feature.
However, according to the app’s support page, Waze doesn’t calculate toll prices for congestion-based toll roads. In these cases, you receive a notification that the toll amount varies.
Are any highways in NYC not impacted by congestion pricing?
The following routes are not included in the congestion pricing plan:
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FDR Drive through Manhattan
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Route 9A/West Side Highway through Manhattan
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Battery Park underpass that connects the FDR Drive with Route 9A
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Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connections to West Street
Can you avoid congestion pricing in NYC?
The MTA says state residents with E-Z Pass can receive lower toll rates and applicable crossing credits, discounts and exemptions within the congestion relief zone if their E-Z Pass is connected to their current driver’s license.
Crossing credits can be applied to vehicles with valid E-Z Passes entering the congestion relief zone during peak hours if they enter through the Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Queens-Midtown Tunnel and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, which already apply tolls.
New York residents who live within the congestion relief zone will still be charged congestion pricing once a day depending on what time they are in the zone. Charges will not be incurred on days a vehicle is parked in the zone, or if the vehicle travels solely within the zone. However, residents within the zone whose income is less than $60,000 may qualify for a tax credit for the tolls.
Other residents that require disability services may apply for discounts on tolls and exemptions on their vehicles as well.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Congestion pricing NYC: Can Waze help you avoid tolls? See our map