The decision paves the way for the city to begin the program as soon as next spring. CNN has reached out to the Federal Highway Administration for comment. The toll is formally known as the Central Business District Tolling Program — but it’s commonly called “congestion pricing.” In practice, it works like any other toll, but because it specifically charges people to drive in the traffic-choked area below 60th street in Manhattan, it would be the first program of its kind in the United States.
” Improving public transportation is also key to New York City’s post-pandemic economic recovery: If commutes to work are too unreliable, people are less likely to visit the office and shop at stores around their workplaces. Congestion charge advocates hope the program will create more space for amenities like wider sidewalks, bike lanes, plazas, benches, trees and public bathrooms.