New York City to start charging drivers to enter Midtown Manhattan as soon as 2024: MTA

New York City could start the first congestion pricing program in the United States as soon as spring 2024 with the goal of reducing traffic in one of the world's busiest commercial districts, the city's Metropolitan Transportation Authority said. 

The Federal Highway Administration granted final approval for the program, a spokesperson said Monday, according to The New York Times. 

Under the program, drivers would be charged a fee to enter the borough of Manhattan south of 60th Street.

A New York transportation authority panel will decide on final toll rates, as well as any possible exemptions, discounts or other allowances. 

One proposal in a report from the MTA last year would charge $23 for rush-hour trips into Midtown Manhattan and $17 during off-peak times. The fees, which are expected to generate $1 billion annually, would go to the MTA to improve the city's public transit. 

"Congestion pricing will reduce traffic in our crowded downtown, improve air quality and provide critical resources to the M.T.A.," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "With the green light from the federal government, we look forward to moving ahead with the implementation of this program."

Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.