In a move aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Manhattan, the MTA board has given its final approval for congestion pricing, which will be implemented as soon as June. The new plan will require motorists to pay a $15 base toll to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. While the MTA believes this will encourage commuters to choose mass transit over driving, there has been mixed reaction among drivers.

Borough Park driver Jason Lopez expressed his frustration, stating, "I think they're robbing everybody for 15 bucks a day. I'd rather take the ferry now." His sentiment reflects the concerns of many drivers who believe the congestion pricing scheme is an additional financial burden.

However, the MTA asserts that the toll revenues will be dedicated to upgrades in subways, buses, and commuter rails, ultimately benefiting commuters and improving air quality in Manhattan. The 20% reduction in traffic is a key goal of the program.

Some drivers, such as Financial District resident Melissa Carrasquillo, view congestion pricing as yet another tax or fee in a city already hard to afford. Carrasquillo highlights the disparity of charging residents for being in the same borough they live in and questions the continuous addition of taxes and fees.

In an effort to appease the concerns of drivers living within the congestion zone, the 2019 state law authorizing the program grants a tax credit equivalent to the tolls paid for individuals earning $60,000 or less annually.

However, not all drivers are against the plan. Tesla driver Darrell Martin, stuck in traffic on Church Street, believes congestion pricing is necessary to address the issue of congestion in Manhattan. "I do think it is congested, and I do think we should pay our way," he said.

The plan has also received criticism from other sectors. Members of the Taxi Workers Alliance expressed dissatisfaction over the additional $1.25 surcharge on yellow and green cab trips entering the zone. The Trucking Association of New York argued that the tolls, which will be $36 for large trucks, will lead to increased prices for basic goods in the city.

In other transit news, NYC Mayor Eric Adams has announced the NYPD's plan to test metal detectors equipped with AI technology in subway stations to improve safety and prevent gun-related incidents. This comes in response to the recent subway shootings, with officials suggesting that cracking down on fare evasion will also help reduce crime.

Additionally, the MTA will install real-time security camera display screens in over 100 New York City buses to deter criminals and provide immediate evidence to law enforcement.

It's worth noting that exemptions from congestion pricing tolls have been granted to approximately 11,000 New York City school buses, 15,000 municipal vehicles, and charter buses operated by Megabus and Hampton Jitney.

The implementation of congestion pricing in NYC has sparked a heated debate among drivers, with proponents arguing for reduced traffic and improved public transportation, while opponents express concerns over the financial burden. As June approaches, the full impact of the new tolls on Manhattan's traffic patterns and commuting habits remains to be seen.