**US Approves New York’s $9 Congestion Charge for Manhattan**

The US Department of Transportation has given the green light to New York’s proposal to introduce a $9 congestion charge for vehicles driving in Manhattan, beginning January 5. This initiative aims to generate billions for enhancing mass transit and alleviating traffic congestion.

Governor Kathy Hochul revived the plan last week after having previously placed it on hold in June. The policy, which marks the first congestion charge of its kind in the United States, will apply to passenger vehicles traveling south of 60th Street in Manhattan during daytime hours. An earlier proposal had suggested a $15 fee, scheduled to commence on June 30 but was subsequently discarded.

The Federal Highway Administration confirmed in a letter released on Friday that no further environmental assessment was necessary for the $9 toll, deeming it consistent with a review completed in 2023. This move echoes London’s approach, which instituted a similar fee in 2003, now set at £15 ($19).

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which gave its approval to the fee this week, anticipates that the charge will reduce the number of vehicles entering the zone by at least 80,000 daily. This reduction is expected to ease the severe congestion in the country’s most crowded district.

Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of the toll in securing new investments for New York's subway and bus systems, supporting $15 billion in debt-financing for mass transit improvements.

The fee structure also includes higher charges for trucks and buses, up to $21.60, with a 75% discount for nighttime travel. Car owners will incur the toll only once per day regardless of the number of trips, while taxi rides within the zone will cost an additional 75 cents per trip. Ridesharing vehicles booked through apps like Uber or Lyft will have a surcharge of $1.50 for every journey.

With more than 700,000 vehicles entering Manhattan’s central business district daily, travel speeds have plummeted to around 7mph over the years. The congestion charge aims to counter this trend and improve overall traffic flow in the city.