New York City has introduced a new congestion pricing toll for vehicles entering the busiest parts of Manhattan. Starting Sunday, January 5, drivers must pay $9 during peak hours and $2.25 during off-peak hours. The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and generate funding for public transportation infrastructure improvements.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber explained that the plan has been under study for five years. He noted, "Spending just five minutes in the heart of Manhattan makes it clear that New York has a real traffic congestion problem."

E-ZPass users will face a $9 toll when entering Manhattan between 5 AM and 9 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 9 PM on weekends. The off-peak toll is set at $2.25. Many drivers, however, remained unaware of the cameras enforcing these charges hours after implementation.

The new system has drawn mixed reactions. While some residents are optimistic about its potential to reduce congestion, others find it unreasonable. Former President Donald Trump criticized the plan, arguing that it could make New York City less competitive and drive businesses elsewhere.

Similar congestion pricing models have been successfully implemented in cities like London and Stockholm. However, this marks the first such initiative in the United States. Funds generated from the tolls are slated for public transit improvements, though skeptics worry about potential misuse of the revenue, as seen in previous cases.