Slashing the original $15 toll raises questions about whether a smaller revenue stream could delay projects or lead to higher costs for New York’s public transit agency.

The good news for Jersey drivers is that if congestion pricing is approved, it will be $6 cheaper than officials planned for it to be earlier this year. But that comes with tradeoffs, such as a lower credit for tunnel tolls and “phased approach” that will inch tolls back up to the original $15 mark by 2031.

By 2031, the congestion pricing toll will be the same as what was initially planned for the controversial program, according to a report.

Like midtown Manhattan’s bumper-to-bumper traffic, the long journey of New York’s congestion pricing plan has been marked by starts and stops, culminating with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement Thursday that the new tolls will finally take effect on January 5th.

The MTA board is expected to vote on Gov. Kathy Hochul's revamped New York City congestion pricing plan today.

Gov. Kathy Hochul restored the Manhattan fee last week with a $9 base price, but MTA records show the price is slated to ramp up in the coming years.