MTA approves $9-a-day congestion pricing as race to beat the clock on Trump kicks into gear

The vote marks a major step forward for the plan, which would impose a fee on drivers entering Manhattan's central business district during peak hours.

The MTA board voted 12-3 to approve the plan, which is expected to raise $1 billion per year. The plan will now go to the Federal Highway Administration for final approval.

The MTA's vote is a major step forward for congestion pricing, which has been in the works for years. The plan would impose a fee on drivers entering Manhattan's central business district during peak hours. The fee would vary depending on the time of day and the location of the entry point, with a maximum charge of $9 per day.

The MTA estimates that congestion pricing would reduce traffic congestion by up to 20% and raise $1 billion per year. The revenue would be used to fund improvements to the MTA's subway and bus system.

The plan has been met with mixed reactions. Some businesses and drivers have expressed concerns that it will hurt their bottom line. However, many environmental groups and transportation advocates have praised the plan, saying it is a necessary step to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

The MTA board's vote comes as the agency is facing a looming deadline to implement congestion pricing. The Trump administration has threatened to withhold federal funding from the MTA if it does not implement congestion pricing by the end of the year.

The MTA is now racing to get the plan approved by the Federal Highway Administration before the end of the year. The agency has said it is confident that it can meet the deadline.