Anti-Congestion Tax Act

This measure aims to ease extra driving costs for people entering Manhattan through certain tunnels and bridges. It would block the U.S. Department of Transportation from giving major project grants to New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) unless drivers using specific crossings into Manhattan are exempt from congestion tolls. The crossings named include the Holland Tunnel, the Lincoln Tunnel, the George Washington Bridge, and other nearby crossings right before the congestion zone. It also ties these rules to the MTA’s Central Business District Tolling Program, which charges drivers to enter the “Congestion Relief Zone” in Manhattan.

If the plan moves forward, the MTA would have to subtract what you paid for the tunnel or bridge from any congestion fee you owe. In addition, drivers who enter Manhattan using those crossings could get a federal tax credit at the end of the year equal to the congestion fees they paid for that crossing. Overall, the bill conditions certain federal grants on giving these drivers relief from congestion charges .

Key points

• Who is affected: Drivers entering Manhattan via the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge, and similar nearby crossings; the MTA; and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• What changes: No federal capital grants to the MTA unless those drivers are exempt from congestion tolls; the MTA must credit crossing tolls against congestion fees; eligible drivers can claim a year-end federal tax credit equal to the congestion fees they paid for that crossing .
• When it applies: The funding condition lasts until DOT confirms the required exemptions are in place.