"MTA Greenlights NYC Congestion Pricing with $15 Summer Tolls"

The MTA board has approved a congestion pricing plan for New York City, which will charge cars $15 and trucks even higher tolls to enter Manhattan below 61st Street, with implementation expected as early as mid-June. The plan, aimed at reducing traffic and pollution while providing funding for transit improvements, has faced opposition from groups like taxi advocates and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who called it a "blatant cash grab." Exemptions are limited, with only specialized government vehicles and emergency vehicles avoiding the toll entirely, while low-income drivers can apply for a half-price discount after the first 10 trips in a month.