Map of Manhattan's soon-to-be toll zone and how to get around it

New York City will introduce a congestion charge into Manhattan on January 5. Residents are bracing themselves for an extra $9 to enter the city during rush hour. Lohud tells how you can bypass the toll zone.

Income from new fees should go toward funding needed repairs to MTA transit systems and public service upgrades TransportThe money will go toward a modern traffic signal system to improve subway service, expanding the Second Avenue subway line, adding electric buses and elevators at subway stations.

The price varies depending on the class of vehicle and time of day.

Here are the rates during peak hours: from 5:00 to 21:00 on weekdays, from 9:00 to 21:00 on weekends:

• passenger cars: $9;
• motorcycles: $4,50;
• small trucks and buses for occasional trips: $14,40;
• Large trucks and tour buses: $21,60.

During off-peak hours (from 21:00 PM to 5:00 AM on weekdays and from 21:00 PM to 9:00 AM on weekends), rates will be 75% lower. For example, a passenger car will cost only $2,25.

Where will the fee be taken?

As early as January 5, vehicles entering most areas of Midtown and Lower Manhattan (local streets and avenues below 60th Street) will be charged a $9 toll. New York City uses a cashless “congestion fee by number” system. Drivers can expect to receive a bill in the mail (sent to the address where the vehicle is registered) or pay through their E Z-Pass account.

Application Help

It can be difficult for passengers to bypass the toll zone, especially if your destination falls within it.

Smartphone GPS apps such as Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze are commonly used to find directions. Most often, they include an option to “exclude toll roads” from the route.

Waze allows users to submit their own updates about accidents, traffic jams, and more.

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Waze allows users to preview toll road costs before they hit the road, and Google Maps has this feature too.

However, Waze does not calculate toll road prices based on congestion. In these cases, you will receive a notification that the toll amount is changing.

Free zones

The following routes are not included in the toll zone:

• FDR Drive through Manhattan;
• Route 9A/West Side Highway through Manhattan;
• Battery Park Tunnel, connecting FDR Drive to Route 9A;
• Hugh L. Carey Tunnel Connections from West Street.

How to Avoid Congestion Charges

State residents with an EZ Pass can receive lower toll rates, credits, discounts and waivers when their EZ Pass is linked to their current driver's license.

Toll credits may be applied to vehicles with valid EZ passes entering the toll zone during peak hours through the Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Queens-Midtown Tunnel and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel. These roads already have tolls.

New Yorkers living in the toll zone will still pay a toll fee once per day. The fee will not be charged on days when a vehicle is parked in the zone or if the vehicle is driven solely within the zone. However, residents within the zone whose income is less than $60 may qualify for a toll tax credit.

Who else is entitled to a discount or free travel:

• car owners who sign up for the low-income tax credit program. They will be eligible for a 50% discount after paying the 10th fee of the month. People with an income of less than $50 per year are eligible for this program. Read how to apply here;
• People with disabilities or conditions that prevent them from using public transport are exempt from paying. Read how to apply here;
• organizations that transport people with disabilities are exempt from fees. Read how to apply here;
• emergency vehicles specified by state law are exempt from payment;
• School and commuter buses, as well as TLC-licensed vans, are exempt from the fee;
• Vehicles specifically designed to perform public works will also not have to pay the new fees.