Panel weighs MTA’s congestion pricing tolls and carve-outs

Drivers still don’t know how much they’ll pay to enter Manhattan as part of the MTA’s congestion pricing program.

However, the list of new exemptions has grown. Commuter buses and certain government vehicles are now among the groups that should be exempt from congestion pricing tolls, a transportation panel announced Monday.

At a public meeting, the group charged with selecting the charges and exemptions from the landmark congestion pricing met for what is likely the final time and discussed four new tolling scenarios that combine MTA and federal recommendations. But didn’t answer the big question: How much will drivers pay?

The program is expected to go into effect in the spring and will charge vehicles who enter Manhattan below 60th Street.

Julietta Michaelson, special advisor to the Traffic Mobility Review Board, presented the board with four new tolling options, including one that would charge trucks “for the congestion they cause,” by tolling box trucks at twice the toll rate and large articulated trucks three times the rate.

Three of the new options offered a 50% night time discount for vehicles. Two of the options also include a 25% discount during the hours of 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Michaelson’s recommendations took options from the MTA’s own environmental assessment, federal recommendations and the TMRB’s previous concerns from its other two meetings.

Her recommendations also included exempting commuter buses and specialized government vehicles.

The options also provided a moderate discount for drivers that pay a tunnel or bridge fee before entering the zone. The crossing credits ranged from $4 to $7, far below the full credit that lawmakers from New Jersey had hoped for.

Not full parity for crossing, but “moving in that direction,” Michaelson said.

She recommended taxis and for-hire…