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Writer's pictureCNY Online

E-ZPass NY Website Crashes On First Workday Of Congestion Pricing

E-ZPass drivers will soon face a toll of $9 when entering Manhattan's Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ), a significant measure aimed at reducing traffic congestion in one of the most densely populated urban areas in the United States.

NEW YORK CITY — The launch of New York City's congestion pricing plan caused the E-ZPass New York website to experience technical difficulties on its first workday, Monday morning. At approximately 9:45 a.m., users were notified that the website was "experiencing higher than normal activity," leading to frustration among commuters trying to access their accounts or get information. Fortunately, by around 10:20 a.m., the website was restored and functioning properly.


The Congestion Relief Zone is defined as the area that extends from 60th Street to the southern tip of Manhattan. Importantly, certain major roadways, such as the FDR Drive and the West Side Highway, are excluded from this congestion pricing initiative, allowing for smoother transit on these crucial arteries.


For those without an E-ZPass, the toll will be charged by mail, amounting to $13. This higher fee serves as an additional incentive for drivers to acquire the E-ZPass, which streamlines the toll payment process.


The overarching goal of the congestion pricing plan is to alleviate the severe traffic gridlock that affects Manhattan’s busiest areas, particularly during peak commuting times. City officials are encouraging residents and visitors to use public transportation as a more efficient alternative to driving.


Charging periods for the toll will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, during which time drivers will incur a charge of $9 for entry into the CRZ. At all other times, including late evenings and early mornings, the fee will be significantly lower at $2.25. The collection of the tolls will be managed through sophisticated camera technology that captures license plates as vehicles enter the designated zone, ensuring efficient processing of charges.


These introductory rates are not permanent. The MTA has announced future plans to increase the toll to $12 in 2028 and again to $15 in 2031. Additionally, recognizing the financial impact on lower-income drivers, those earning less than $50,000 a year will be eligible for a 50% discount on tolls after their tenth toll each month. This provision is part of the MTA's commitment to making the system equitable while promoting the increased use of public transportation.


The anticipated revenue from this congestion pricing plan is expected to exceed $15 billion, which will be used to fund vital upgrades and improvements to New York City's public transportation infrastructure. Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed strong support for this initiative, stating, “Commuters deserve a world-class transit system that’s safe, efficient, and modern. Local residents deserve clean air and safe streets. Drivers deserve less congestion and reduced traffic. This is what we will begin to achieve—at a lower cost to drivers—when congestion pricing begins on January 5.”

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