In February 2019, New York State implemented a Congestion Surcharge on certain cars travelling through Manhattan south of, but not including, 96 Street. Medallion taxicab cars are subject to a $2.50 levy every journey.
New $2.75 Surcharge for For-Hire Cars Sparks Controversy: What You Need to Know
For-hire cars that are not medallion taxicabs or pool vehicles are charged $2.75 each trip. In addition, there is a 75-cent surcharge per pool trip.
Taxis, green cabs, limousines, black automobiles, and livery vehicles are all subject to the levy. Community automobiles, rideshare/transportation network company vehicles, and pool vehicles are among other names for these vehicles.
There are a few exceptions to the cost, including transportation for funerals.
The surcharge does not apply to buses, ambulances, ambulettes, or Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) transportation.
Congestion pricing has recently sparked debate. Because the new surcharge is set to go into effect in less than a year.
Drivers discussed whether certain individuals should pay in August. More than others during a Traffic Mobility Board hearing.
Truck and Cab Drivers Voice Outrage Over Unjust Congestion Pricing
Congestion pricing, according to truck drivers and cab drivers, is especially unjust to them.
“They’re killing my business; no one takes the yellow cab anymore,” one taxi driver remarked.
The Independent Drivers Guild’s Andrew Greenblatt. Complained about the addition of another tax.
“Since 2019, Uber and Lyft drivers have been taxed.” Greenblatt added, “And now they’re talking about adding a second tax.”
“It’s not the drivers who decide to come into the city, it’s the passengers.”
The fee to enter Manhattan’s central business area might range from $9 to $23. That is anything south of 61st Street.
“The fairest thing is to keep the base toll as low as possible,” review board chair Carl Weisbroad stated.
Weisbroad feels that exclusions will simply result in higher fares for everyone else.
“As soon as we start making exceptions here and there.” Then some would protest that it is unfair that X benefits over Y.”
For weeks, scanners have been set up along West End Avenue. However, according to WNBC, the congestion pricing proposal will not go into force until spring 2024.
