Congestion Pricing began in New York City on January 5, 2025, which means that most vehicles entering Manhattan at or below 60th Street must now pay a toll of $9 during peak hours or $2.25 overnight. The goal of this new toll, according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), is to reduce traffic in the Congestion Relief Zone while simultaneously raising funds for improvements to public transit.
However, some vehicles may qualify for discounts and exemptions. It is important to note that applicants for exemptions must have a valid E-ZPass New York account.
The Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP) is available for individuals with disabilities that prevent them from using public transportation, but applying is a multi-step process. Individuals must first be deemed eligible by way of an in-person assessment. If approved, the individual can then either apply for an exemption for a vehicle registered to themself, or to a vehicle registered to a person the applicant designates, such as a family member or a caregiver, if they use that vehicle to drive the applicant in the Congestion Relief Zone. Check out this webpage for more details on eligibility for IDEP and how to apply.
“With congestion pricing finally here, I definitely recommend applying for the IDEP exemption—I just did!” said Sasha Blair-Goldensohn, disability rights activist with the New York City-based Elevator Action Group. He is optimistic about the changes that Congestion Pricing will bring to the city: “Reduced traffic will benefit all New Yorkers—especially those of us with disabilities—by creating safer pedestrian pathways, faster navigation for buses and emergency vehicles, and improved air quality. I’m also hoping that Governor Hochul is emboldened by the reliability of toll revenue to finally make the legal guarantees our community has long sought for elevator maintenance and reliability.”
For those not eligible for the IDEP, another available exemption is the Low-Income Discount Plan (LIDP), available for vehicle owners who have reported a federal adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less or are enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), or Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program (TANF). Check out this webpage for more details on eligibility for LIDP and how to apply.
Additionally, residents living in the Congestion Relief Zone whose New York State adjusted gross income is under $60,000 may qualify for a tax credit in the amount of tolls paid. Visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for more information.
To learn more about the Congestion Relief Zone, visit the MTA’s website.