The MTA board gave final approval Wednesday to its congestion pricing plan in New York City, signing off on the plan's toll rates.

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber called the approval a "big day for the MTA" and a "huge day for the region."

"New York has more traffic than any place in the United States, and now we're doing something about it, and I couldn't be prouder of the MTA team," Lieber said at a news briefing. 

Under the plan, the toll for most cars driving into the area below 60th Street, or the Central Business District, in Manhattan is expected to be $15 if the driver has an E-ZPass tag. Those without E-ZPasses will pay $22.50. The price would apply between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, and between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends. Toll rates would be 75% lower at night. 

Trucks will pay more. In the daytime, small trucks will pay $24, while larger trucks will have a $36 toll. Trucks would also get a big discount at night.

"Today, history was made in the MTA Board room. With the vote moving congestion pricing forward, New York will lead the nation by implementing this critical law that will bring transit investment, cleaner air, and less traffic to millions around the region," Lisa Daglian, executive director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory to the MTA, said in a statement.

Lieber told reporters he was confident that the MTA would prevail in the courts because the agency's environmental review process was "fully compliant, and more than exceeds the standards, for a proper federal environmental review."

The toll is expected to go into effect this June, barring a judge ruling against the MTA in any one of the four lawsuits filed to stop the plan. There are hearings in New Jersey on April 3 and April 4, and a hearing in federal court in Manhattan on May 17, in connection with the lawsuits the plan is facing.

In a statement New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy called the approval of congestion pricing "far from over" and that he will "continue to fight this blatant cash grab." 

"The MTA's actions today are further proof that they are determined to violate the law in order to balance their budget on the backs of New Jersey commuters," he added. "We will continue to avail ourselves of every option in order to protect residents on this side of the Hudson from an unfair tolling scheme that discriminates against New Jerseyans, especially lower and middle-income drivers."

There would be exemptions from the toll, including for emergency vehicles and government vehicles that are considered essential. There would also exemptions for school buses and private commuter buses.

Motorcycles would pay half price, at $7.50, and the low-income driver discount would also be half price - but would only apply after 10 trips in a month.

At the end of February and at the start of March, the MTA held a series of public hearings about the plan. Hundreds of stakeholders testified, with some showing their support and others raising concerns.