Congestion pricing may soon make its way back to New York City.
After Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the plan was being paused "indefinitely" in June, she announced on Nov. 14 that the state plans to implement congestion pricing by Jan. 2025, with a slightly reduced price of $9 for drivers with an E-ZPass. The plan still needs the approval of the Federal Highway Administration and the MTA board, and a public comment period will also need to take place.
In Manhattan, drivers will need an E-ZPass device to avoid paying higher tolls than those without the tag to enter the Central Business District.
Here’s what you need to know about the New York E-ZPass, from its benefits and discounts to its usage and account management.
What is E-ZPass?
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system used widely across the United States, including New York. It allows drivers to pay tolls using a windshield-mounted tag without having to stop at toll booths, which was initially designed to save time for motorists and reduce traffic congestion.
How do I get E-ZPass in New York?
Drivers can apply by visiting an E-ZPass customer service center or retail location, or by phone.
Applicants can also go online to the New York E-ZPass website to set up an account. Drivers will need their license plate number and a credit card or checking account, which will be used to fund the account.
How can I pay tolls with E-ZPass?
Toll payments are automatically deducted from your prepaid account as you pass through toll plazas that read the windshield-mounted E-ZPass tag.
To keep track of the tolls paid by your E-ZPass tag, you can login to your E-ZPass account online and navigate to “Account History” to see a record of your toll transactions.
What is the cost of congestion pricing with E-ZPass?
The congestion pricing fee with E-ZPass for non-commercial drivers will be $9, a 40% reduction from the original plan. If drivers enter the city through the Queens-Midtown, Hugh L. Carey, Holland or Lincoln tunnels, regardless of E-ZPass usage, they will receive a $3 toll credit. It is unclear how much the toll will be for drivers without an E-ZPass.
The toll for motorcycles with E-ZPass will be $4.50.
Drivers will be tolled once per day.
Can multiple cars use the same E-ZPass tag?
Yes, multiple vehicles can use the same E-ZPass tag, as long as all vehicle license plates are listed on the account. Individual accounts can have up to four vehicles on one account.
Business owners more than four vehicles can apply online for a business account that will allow for a greater number of vehicles on one account.
What is the minimum amount of money needed to maintain an E-ZPass account?
To open and maintain an E-ZPass account, drivers need to prepay an amount sufficient to cover charges for a one-month period.
When your account balance falls to or below your specific replenishment amount, you must replenish it manually by paying online, over the phone or sending checks or money orders to E-ZPass. Drivers can also sign up for automatic withdrawals using a checking account or credit card.
E-ZPass conducts account analyses periodically and will adjust the prepaid amount based on a driver’s usage.
How long do I have to wait for my E-ZPass?
The waiting time for receiving an E-ZPass tag varies depending on the method of application and current demand. Typically, drivers can expect to receive their E-ZPass tag within a few days to a couple of weeks after applying.
What E-ZPass discounts exist in New York?
New York E-ZPass offers various discounts, including a 75% discount on Thruway tolls for all passenger and commercial vehicles with tags registered in New York, and reduced toll rates on bridges around New York City.
For frequent users, there are specific commuter plans such as the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Commuter Plan, the Grand Island Commuter Plan, the New Rochelle Commuter Plan, the Yonkers Commuter Plan and the Harriman Commuter Plan, each requiring a minimum number of trips per month.
Additionally, there are tag-specific plans such as the Thruway Annual Permit Plan, the Motorcycle Discount Plan, the Motorhome Discount Plan, the Special Discount Towing Plan and the Green Discount Plan for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Resident discount plans also exist, including the Grand Island Resident Plan and the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Resident Plan, that allows discounts with proof of residency.
For a full list of discounts offered in New York, visit the New York State Thruway Authority’s website.
How do I pay a toll if I don’t have E-ZPass?
If no E-ZPass tag is present when passing through a contactless toll, a bill will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle based on an image of the license plate.
The bill is typically sent out 30 to 45 days after the date of travel. The bill can be paid online at tollsbymailny.com, in cash, over the phone, through the Tolls NY app or by mail, as instructed on the bill. Drivers can also sign up to receive a text notification when a toll is ready to be paid.