The Low-Income Discount Plan (LIDP) is a discount plan on an E-ZPass NY account. It gives eligible vehicle owners 50% off the peak congestion toll, starting after their first 10 trips in a calendar month (MTA). In Phase 1 that means $4.50 instead of $9.00 per peak trip, as of October 12, 2026.
"Low-income" has a set meaning here: a federal adjusted gross income of no more than $50,000 for the previous calendar year, or enrollment in SNAP, WIC or TANF.
Why it matters to TLC drivers
How to apply, what to send and a worked example are on can drivers get the low-income discount?
Where you will see this term
- The MTA toll schedule has its own row: "Peak period for registered Low-Income Discount Plan participants using an eligible vehicle, 11th trip and trips thereafter in a calendar month." The amounts are $4.50 (2025–2027), $6.00 (2028–2030) and $7.50 (from 2031). The schedule adds that the plan "shall continue for five years as committed to in the Final Environmental Assessment" (TBTA schedule).
- Your E-ZPass NY account, where the plan is added once you are approved.
- Recertification notices by email or mail, about 90 days before the plan expires.
Common mix-ups
- Not 50% off from the first trip. The first 10 trips each calendar month are full price.
- Not overnight. Only peak-period trips are discounted.
- Not a bridge discount. Staten Island and Rockaway resident plans and the Port Authority's Staten Island Bridges Plan are separate (Staten Island Bridges Plan, Staten Island resident discount on a TLC car?).
- Passenger vehicles only. The MTA LIDP page says: "The discount is available for passenger vehicles in the peak period." The schedule row also says "using an eligible vehicle," and the MTA asks you to keep the plate on your E-ZPass NY account up to date, so check that the car you drive in is the one on the account.
Related terms: Per-Trip Charge Plan and how it works. Your own car: congestion pricing in your own car. Data on trips in the zone: did congestion pricing reduce Uber trips? More in the tolls hub.
Frequently asked questions
What does LIDP stand for?
Low-Income Discount Plan. It is an MTA plan on an E-ZPass NY account that gives eligible vehicle owners 50% off the peak congestion toll after their first 10 trips in a calendar month.
Is LIDP the same as the congestion toll tax credit?
No. LIDP is an MTA toll discount based on federal AGI of $50,000 or less (or SNAP, WIC or TANF). The tax credit is a New York State credit for residents of the zone with NYS adjusted gross income under $60,000.
Does LIDP apply to TLC trips?
No. TLC trips under the per-trip plan pay $0.75 or $1.50 per trip, charged to the passenger. LIDP discounts the daily toll on an eligible passenger vehicle, such as a driver's own car.
Where will I see LIDP?
In the MTA toll schedule (a separate row for registered participants), as a plan on your E-ZPass NY account, and in yearly recertification notices from the MTA.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- MTA: Low-Income Discount Plan mta.info
- TBTA Central Business District (CBD) toll schedule (PDF) mta.info
- MTA: Congestion Relief Zone toll discounts and exemptions mta.info
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.