Lyft Offers Credit to NYC Riders for New Congestion Fee in January

Starting Sunday, New York City’s long-awaited congestion pricing will officially be implemented. But for the first month, Lyft is helping ease the burden for riders by crediting them for the congestion fee. This initiative will last throughout January.

What is New York’s Congestion Pricing?

New York’s congestion pricing program aims to reduce traffic congestion in lower Manhattan and raise funds for public transit. The pricing has been revised after facing delays. For regular vehicles, driving in Manhattan below 60th Street will cost $9 during peak hours. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft will charge $1.50 per ride.

Lyft’s Response to the Fee

Although Lyft riders will be charged the congestion fee, the company will refund it in the form of credits. These credits can be used for future Lyft or Citi Bike rides. This credit will apply for all rides taken in January.

Lyft clarified that this new congestion fee is in addition to an existing $2.75 surcharge for rides that either begin, end, or pass through Manhattan below 96th Street. Lyft sees this as a gesture to help riders adjust to this new cost while they work on reducing overall ride prices.

How Lyft is Helping Riders Adjust

In a statement, Lyft explained that the credits are a “small gesture” to help riders adjust to the new expense. As NYC commuters adapt to the congestion pricing system, Lyft is committed to reducing the overall cost of rides.

For more information on the congestion fee and Lyft’s credit program, visit the official Lyft blog post or learn more about the New York congestion pricing plan at Governor Hochul’s website.

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