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No, not just because the vehicle is wheelchair accessible. A WAV taxi, green cab or FHV on a trip that goes to, from, within or through the zone pays the same per-trip charge as any other TLC vehicle: $0.75 (taxi, green cab, regular FHV) or $1.50 (Uber/Lyft), paid by the passenger, as of October 12, 2026. Neither the MTA toll schedule nor TLC's notice gives WAVs a separate rate.
The MTA does have disability exemptions, but they are for vehicles enrolled because of who they carry and who owns them, not for the vehicle type.
The per-trip plan applies to WAVs
The schedule's TLC section has two lines only: "Taxis, green cabs, and FHVs on trips" and "FHVs on trips dispatched by high-volume for-hire services." A WAV fits one of them. The MTA's plan agreement with bases even asks for WAV flags in the trip data (whether a WAV was requested and whether the trip was in a WAV), but the charge is the same.
Like other TLC vehicles, a WAV in the plan is not charged when it isn't on a trip (TLC Industry Notice #24-10). If the base or meter company is not in the plan, the owner may be charged the $9 toll up to once a day.
The two disability exemptions, compared
The toll schedule says: "Qualifying authorized emergency vehicles and qualifying vehicles transporting persons with disabilities are exempt pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1704-a (2)." The MTA runs that through two plans (MTA):
What to do next
- On normal WAV trips: nothing changes for you. The rider pays the per-trip charge on the meter or in the app. Check costs with the congestion fee calculator.
- If you also drive for a paratransit or AAR contractor: ask the company in writing which vehicles are in ODEP and how trips are handled.
- If you have a disability yourself and can't use transit, your personal car may qualify for IDEP. Apply online with the MTA or call the E-ZPass Customer Service Center at 800-333-8655.
- Owners: make sure your base or meter company is in the per-trip plan (how the plan works).
Related rules and exceptions
- TLC-licensed commuter vans are exempt under the bus exemption, a separate plan.
- NYS congestion surcharge: TLC says there is no surcharge on Access-A-Ride or other MTA-dispatched trips. That is the state surcharge below 96th Street, not the MTA toll.
- WAV cruising time: TLC does not count WAVs when it measures Uber's and Lyft's empty time below 96th Street (§59D-21).
- Data: how many taxis and FHVs enter the zone in entries data, by crossing and by hour. Bridges into the zone: East River bridges. WAV age limits: vehicle retirement age.
Overview: congestion pricing for TLC drivers. More in the tolls hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is my WAV taxi or WAV FHV exempt from congestion pricing?
No, not automatically. The MTA toll schedule and TLC's notice give WAV trips no lower rate. A WAV trip to, from, within or through the zone pays the same per-trip charge as any other: $0.75 for taxis, green cabs and regular FHVs, $1.50 for Uber/Lyft (as of October 12, 2026), paid by the passenger.
What is ODEP?
The Organizational Disability Exemption Plan. It exempts vehicles of organizations that transport people with disabilities, such as Access-A-Ride, paratransit and ambulette services, schools and special education facilities. The vehicle must be used in the zone solely to transport people with disabilities and needs an E-ZPass NY Business account.
What is IDEP?
The Individual Disability Exemption Plan. It exempts a vehicle registered to a person whose disability prevents them from using public transit, or to someone they designate, such as a caregiver who drives them in the zone. It is for a person's own vehicle, not for a TLC business.
Does a wheelchair passenger pay the per-trip charge?
The schedule and TLC's notice list no exception by passenger. The per-trip charge applies to TLC trips under the plan. The exemptions are for enrolled vehicles.
Do WAVs get any special treatment in Manhattan rules?
Yes, in a different rule. TLC does not count wheelchair-accessible vehicles when it measures Uber's and Lyft's empty cruising time in the zone below 96th Street (Rule §59D-21). That has nothing to do with the MTA toll.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- MTA: Congestion Relief Zone toll discounts and exemptions mta.info
- MTA: Organizational Disability Exemption Plan (ODEP) mta.info
- MTA: Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP) mta.info
- TBTA Central Business District (CBD) toll schedule (PDF) mta.info
- TLC Industry Notice #24-10: MTA Congestion Pricing Toll nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book Chapter 59 (§59D-21) nyc.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.