NEW YORK (NEWSnet/AP) — New York is on track to become the first U.S. city with tolls charged to drivers entering its downtown.

Transit officials approved a $15 fee for most motorists headed into part of Manhattan.

Members of Metropolitan Transportation Authority board on Wednesday voted to approve a “congestion pricing” plan, expected to take effect in June.

The vote authorizes a $15 toll on most commuter passenger vehicles that enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, a zone that’s south of Central Park, during daytime hours. Toll is higher for larger vehicles, and lower for late-night entries, and for motorcycles.

Supporters say it will push more people to use public transportation, reduce congestion increase efficiency of public buses and emergency vehicles, reduce pollution and raise money to improve the subway system.

The state legislature approved the tolls in 2019, mandating that it should raise $1 billion per year to fund public subway and bus systems for the city’s 4 million daily riders. The pandemic and lack of federal regulation delayed the project.

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