Friday, January 17, 2025
New York City’s congestion pricing system, which officially went into effect Jan. 5, could affect commuters from Lynbrook and East Rockaway, Long Island, as they navigate the newly implemented tolls when traveling into Manhattan.
The tolling system, designed to reduce traffic congestion in Manhattan south of 60th Street, requires most drivers to pay a toll once per day. The standard toll is $9 during peak weekday hours, 5 a.m-9 p.m., and $2.25 overnight. The system applies to vehicles passing through tolling gantries located at key crossings into Manhattan, including tunnels like the Holland and Lincoln. The pricing structure also introduces new fees for ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.
While the toll primarily affects drivers traveling into the Congestion Relief Zone, some residents of Lynbrook and East Rockaway, located just east of the Rockaway Peninsula, may be particularly impacted as they drive into the city for work or other activities. Commuters who use the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, or the Triborough Bridge to enter Manhattan will encounter tolls based on the time of day and their route.
Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged that it is too early to determine the full impact of congestion pricing on traffic patterns, but emphasized that data would be closely monitored. “Let's give it a few days to sink in and get a trend,” she said. “But we're going to be analyzing the data to see where the impacts are. I'm looking at everything, response times for vehicles and the length of drive time.”
In addition to individual tolls for drivers, taxi riders will face a 75-cent surcharge when entering the congestion zone, while Uber and Lyft passengers will pay $1.50 per ride. These changes could lead to higher transportation costs for Lynbrook and East Rockaway residents who rely on taxis or ride-sharing services to commute into the city.
Trucks, including delivery vehicles, are subject to the highest tolls, with some required to pay up to $21.60 during peak hours. Local businesses in these areas that rely on transportation of goods into the city could face increased operational costs as a result of the new fees.
For residents in Lynbrook, East Rockaway, and other surrounding communities, the governor hopes the new tolling system will motivate some drivers to reconsider their commuting options. She anticipates that some commuters may choose to adjust their travel times in an effort to avoid peak hours, while others might be encouraged to explore public transportation as a more cost-effective alternative. Lynbrook and East Rockaway are both served by the Long Beach Branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), offering direct service to Penn Station in Manhattan. The typical commute from these communities takes about 35 to 40 minutes, making it a convenient and quick alternative to driving. The LIRR operates frequent service, especially during rush hours, and its regular schedules provide a reliable option for commuters looking to avoid the new tolls and the city’s traffic congestion.
E-ZPass users should ensure their accounts are up to date to avoid fines. Those who do not use an E-ZPass and pay by mail face a higher fee of $13.50, compared to the standard $9 toll.
Local officials and residents are closely monitoring the situation to determine how the tolling system will affect commuting costs, travel times, and business operations across the region.
