New York City’s congestion pricing is scheduled to go into effect Sunday — but for the first month, Lyft said it will credit riders who pay the fee.
The New York program, which is supposed to reduce traffic in lower Manhattan while also raising funds for mass transit, was halted by Gov. Kathy Hochul in June, then reinstated at a reduced price. There are different prices for different vehicles at different times – during daytime hours, it will cost $9 to drive a regular car in Manhattan below 60th St, while someone using a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft will pay $1.50 per ride.
Lyft passengers will be charged like everyone else, but the company said that throughout January, they will receive the money in credits that can be spent on Lyft or Citi Bike for the next week.
Lyft also noted that the new fee comes on top of an existing $2.75 congestion charge for trips that start, end or pass through Manhattan below St. even as we work to reduce the overall cost of travel.”
