To ease traffic congestion on the streets of downtown New York, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced the approval of a toll for drivers traveling the streets.

The Traffic Mobility Review Board (TMRB) has made recommendations to impose a $15 toll on cars crossing south of 60th Street in Manhattan. Only one vote was against the award.

These types of measures are already being applied in cities such as London, Milan or Stockholm and will start working in April. MTA officials believe they will be able to raise $1 billion a year to fix New York’s public transportation system.

The rate will apply to passenger cars, including taxis, as well as motorcycles and large and small trucks. People with certain disabilities and people who travel at certain times can receive a discount.

Drivers who drive between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM on weekdays and between 9:00 PM and 9:00 AM on weekends can get a 75% discount.

Here are the amounts those crossing south of 60th Street in Manhattan must pay:

The purpose of charging this toll is to reduce traffic and improve air quality in Manhattan, authorities say. (JO)