New York’s top elected officials are backing the introduction of congestion charging in a move inspired by the success of the London scheme.
The city’s mayor Bill de Blasio gave his support for the first time earlier this week after it was proposed by New York state governor Andrew Cuomo.
The plans, which need to be approved by the New York state legislature, are likely to see a fee of around $11.50 (£8.60) imposed on drivers entering anywhere in Manhattan below 61st Street.
The charge will also be variable and drop during off-peak times and at weekends.
An official in the governor’s office told the Standard: “One of the examples that has been looked at and discussed has been London, where congestion charging has worked well.”
Congestion pricing has been talked about by New York politicians and transit advocates for decades but the state of the public transit system has forced the hand of Mr de Blasio and Mr Cuomo.
The estimated $15 billion a year generated from the charge could help to fix it.
Speaking on radio station WNYC Mr Cuomo said: “Congestion pricing is an idea whose time has come. It’s a luxury to drive into Manhattan.
There’s tremendous environmental cost and I believe congestion pricing is a better way to fund the system.”
Trucks are expected pay around $25 (£18.78) and ride-hailing apps $3.50 (£2.63).
Former London Underground manager Andy Byford, now in charge of New York’s transit system, has put forward $40 billion plans to fix the subways.
The mayor and governor are also proposing an internet sales tax, while Mr Cuomo wants to legalise marijuana and use some of the estimated $1.3 billion in tax revenues to help with repairs.
