Charging More And More To Drive Into Manhattan Gets Closer And Closer
The MTA in New York City has voted in favor of the congestion pricing plan which means we’re one step closer to paying a whopping $25 to get into Manhattan. …
New Yorkers want congestion pricing so NJ residents can help pay their bills.
(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)The MTA in New York City has voted in favor of the congestion pricing plan which means we're one step closer to paying a whopping $25 to get into Manhattan. That nearly doubles the current peak charge to get into Manhattan at peak times, even if you add in the "crossing credit" for using a Hudson River tunnel crossing.
What Is Congestion Pricing?
As we discussed a few months ago, congestion pricing is the MTA's plan to raise funds for maintenance and improvements on the New York Subway system by charging vehicles south of 60th street in Manhattan. Using overhead cameras and scanners, cars will be charged $15, motorcycles $7.50. Trucks get charged even more. However, through traffic on the FDR and West Side Highway will not be tolled.
If you're entering Manhattan through the two Hudson tunnels (the Holland and the Lincoln which both enter Manhattan below 60th) this congestion pricing charge is on top of the tunnel toll. However, to make matters even more confusing, the MTA proposal includes a "crossing credit" for drivers using Hudson River tunnels. Right now, that crossing credit is $5 (though Governor Murphy wants that credit to be ten bucks, see below.)
(Photo by E-ZPass/Getty Images)E-ZPass customers get a tunnel toll discount but not a congestion pricing discount.
Let's do the quick math:
Holland and Lincoln Tunnels EZ-Pass Peak toll is $15.38 for cars. Add $15 then subtract $5 crossing credit for a total of $25.58
Holland and Lincoln Tunnels EZ-Pass off-peak toll is $13.38. Add $15 then subtract $5 crossing credit for a total of $23.38
(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)New Jersey drivers paying more to get into Manhattan under 60th wonder how much they'll pay to subsidize the New York Subway system.
Lawsuits Challenge Congestion Pricing
If the MTA had their way, the new charges would go into effect in June. However there are multiple lawsuits that are coming from Long Island and New Jersey that are challenging the MTA's vote. Governor Murphy stated yesterday, ""This is far from over, and we will continue to fight this blatant cash grab. The MTA’s actions today are further proof that they are determined to violate the law in order to balance their budget on the backs of New Jersey commuters."
Additionally, Murphy previously stated that he thought the "crossing credit should be raised from $5 to $10." There is legal activity support that as well.
Time will tell how this all works out and how much New Jersey residents will be contributing to the New York City subway system.
9 Thrilling Ride Deals for Jersey Shore Amusement Parks
If you thought all the Easter fun came from egg hunts and baskets you would be wrong. While Memorial Day weekend is the official unofficial start to summer, Easter is the colder, earlier unofficial start to summer. Or at least when people start thinking about it. Personally, my family spends every Easter Sunday at the boardwalk. It is not always beach weather, but at least the arcades and restaurants are all open! Plenty of families spend their Easter by the beach, and it gives us a slight taste of summer again. Businesses are open, people are visiting the shore, and if you're lucky, you get a warm spring day that is enough to get us excited for laying out on the beach or swimming in a pool!
With all this, it's no surprise that amusement parks are also looking ahead to summer. And during Easter weekend, they are cranking out the deals for ride tickets. If you are planning to go on rides at any amusement park this summer, you have to take advantage of these pre-season sales! Ride tickets can get expensive, especially if you're paying for multiple people. You could be paying up to $10 per ride or more! This is why I found all the best ticket deals from amusement parks along the Jersey Shore! Stash up now for the whole summer and you won't have to worry about waiting in long lines at the ticket booth and save some money now that you can spend on food and boardwalk games later!
Castaway Cove - Ocean City
Castaway Cove is offering 50% off their tickets from March 23 until April 7. You can buy them anytime online or in-person at the ticket booth from 12 to 5 pm daily. The best part is- the tickets never expire!
Gilligan's Wonderland Pier - Ocean City
You can get 50 credits for only $25 for amusement rides at Gilligan’s Wonderland Pier! The credits will be sent to your email with a barcode that will represent your entire purchase. You can then redeem your credits in person that will be put onto a card to be used at the park!
Jenkinson's - Point Pleasant
Jenkinson’s Easter Sale will be taking place March 29 through March 31 online and in person. You can get deals on rides, boardwalk games, food and beverages, and admission passes to the aquarium, fun house, and mini golf. You’ll be busy all summer if you capitalize on these deals!
Morey's Pier - Wildwood
Morey’s Pier’s spring sales are available now until April 7! You can save 15% on wild passes, water park passes, ride tickets, food and beverage, and mini golf. You can also save on tickets for the infamous Wildwood tram!
Casino Pier - Seaside
The Casino Pier Easter sale will take place online from March 28 to April 1 and in person from March 29 to March 31. On property sales will take place from 11 am to 6 pm. Save on ride tickets, go-karts, Midway games, mini golf, and admission to Breakwater Beach!
Steel Pier- Atlantic City
Steel Pier sales are available online right now and will be available on-site March 30 and 31. They are offering buy one get one free for their ride ticket books. Each ticket book comes with a free game card for the North Beach Arcade!
Fantasy Island - Long Beach Island
Fantasy Island's pre-season sale will begin March 29 and go until April 9. You can save up to 55% on ride tokens! They are also offering VIP passes for the 2024 season that will get you unlimited rides, five free one-day ride passes for friends, $50 towards games, and discounts on food and prizes!
Storybook Land - Egg Harbor Township
Storybook Land is not offering a pre-season sale, however they are celebrating Easter in the park with special deals. For March 28 to 30 and April 1, admission to the event will include unlimited rides and attractions, Easter Bunny visits, and egg hunts! Children under two years old are free!
Sesame Place - Philadelphia
Sesame Place will also be hosting their own Easter event in place of a pre-season sale. From March 23 to April 7, guests can visit Elmo’s Eggstravaganza that includes egg hunts, Easter Bunny meet and greets, parades and shows, and Easter themed dining! All the mascots will be dressed in their Easter best!
