A crossing credit is money taken off the congestion toll for a vehicle that already paid a tunnel toll to get into the zone. It works only with E-ZPass and only in the peak period (5 a.m.–9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. weekends). The MTA's schedule calls it a "peak period per-trip credit" (TBTA schedule).
For a car in Phase 1 (2025–2027), as of October 12, 2026:
- Lincoln or Holland Tunnel entry: $3.00
- Queens-Midtown or Hugh L. Carey Tunnel entry or exit: $1.50
- Maximum per day: $5.00
The credit goes up with the toll: $4.00 and $2.00 in Phase 2 (2028–2030), $5.00 and $2.50 from 2031. Motorcycles get half the car amounts.
Why it matters to TLC drivers
Where you will see this term
- On your E-ZPass statement, as a separate line after the congestion toll. E-ZPass NY: tolls post within 3 days and credits 2 to 4 days after that. Out-of-state E-ZPass: tolls in 4 to 6 days, credits 5 to 7 days after (MTA FAQ).
- In the MTA toll schedule and its rate calculator.
- In the MTA FAQ answers about tunnel connections: for example, West Side Highway to the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel is charged, but "vehicles taking these routes, however, receive a crossing credit."
Common mix-ups
- "Entering" vs "entering or exiting." Port Authority tunnels (Lincoln, Holland) charge only in the New York direction, so the credit is for entering. The MTA tunnels (Queens-Midtown, Carey) charge both ways, so the credit can apply when entering or leaving the zone. The MTA says the amount depends on "whether the tunnel is tolled in one or both directions."
- The $5 cap is per day. Entering by the Lincoln Tunnel ($3.00) and leaving by the Queens-Midtown Tunnel ($1.50) gives $4.50; credits in one day never add up to more than $5.00.
- Out-of-state E-ZPass counts. The MTA FAQ gives posting times for crossing credits to E-ZPass customers outside New York, as long as the plate is on the account.
Full guide with more examples: congestion pricing crossing credits. Tunnel pages: Lincoln Tunnel, Queens-Midtown Tunnel, Outerbridge Crossing (a Port Authority crossing that doesn't lead into the zone). Traffic data: MTA bridge and tunnel traffic. More in the tolls hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is a crossing credit?
A reduction in the congestion toll for a vehicle that has already paid a tunnel toll to get into the zone. It applies only in the peak period and only with E-ZPass. For a car in Phase 1: $3.00 via the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel, $1.50 via the Queens-Midtown or Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, up to $5.00 a day (as of October 12, 2026).
Do Uber or taxi trips get a crossing credit?
No. Crossing credits are part of the vehicle toll. TLC trips under the per-trip plan pay a flat $0.75 or $1.50 per trip, and the schedule lists no credit for those charges.
Do I get a credit coming over the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg or Queensboro Bridge?
No. The MTA says credits are for the four tolled entries: the Lincoln, Holland, Queens-Midtown and Hugh L. Carey tunnels.
When does the credit show on my E-ZPass statement?
For E-ZPass NY customers, 2 to 4 days after the toll posts (the toll itself posts within 3 days). For out-of-state E-ZPass customers, about 5 to 7 days after the toll.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TBTA Central Business District (CBD) toll schedule (PDF) mta.info
- MTA: About the Congestion Relief Zone toll mta.info
- MTA: Congestion Relief Zone FAQ mta.info
- Port Authority of NY & NJ: Tolls panynj.gov
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.