Is the Congestion Toll Higher on Gridlock Alert Days?

It can be, but it isn't automatic. The MTA's toll schedule says: "The Authority reserves the right to charge a 25% higher CBD charge during Gridlock Alert Days" (TBTA schedule). That keeps the option open. It does not set a higher rate by itself.

The MTA's congestion toll pages that we read on October 12, 2026 (About, FAQ) list only the peak and overnight rates and say nothing about a Gridlock Alert Day rate. Before a Gridlock Alert Day, check the MTA's toll pages for a notice.

What the schedule says

The full text, which appears on both pages of the schedule:

"The Authority reserves the right to charge a 25% higher CBD charge during Gridlock Alert Days. Each year, the NYCDOT identifies Gridlock Alert Days during the UN General Assembly and throughout the holiday season when heavy traffic is expected in Manhattan. On Gridlock Alert Days, consider walking, biking, or taking mass transit for any trips in Manhattan."

Three things it doesn't say: how much notice the MTA would give, whether it would apply to every Gridlock Alert Day, and whether it would cover the TLC per-trip charges as well as the daily car toll. The sentence sits on the page that lists the per-trip charges too, so it can't be ruled out. If the MTA uses it, its notice should answer these questions.

To show the size of a 25% increase, here is the math on today's Phase 1 rates (as of October 12, 2026). These are not announced rates.

NYC DOT's Gridlock Alert Days

NYC DOT names "the busiest traffic days of the year" as Gridlock Alert Days, when "traffic is expected to be at its slowest and most congested." On those days DOT watches traffic and adjusts signals in real time, and asks people not to drive when possible (NYC DOT).

What to do next

1. Before a Gridlock Alert Day, check the MTA's congestion toll pages for any notice of a higher charge.
2. In your personal car, keep your plate on your E-ZPass account. Tolls by Mail always costs more: $13.50 vs $9.00 at peak, $3.30 vs $2.25 overnight.
3. Plan around closures: UN week and the holiday season bring street closures and event traffic. See event days and street closures.
4. Check what you are charged on your E-ZPass statement. A car still pays once per day (charged twice in one day?).

Related rules and exceptions

• Adaptive adjustment: the schedule also let charges move up or down by up to 10% "for up to one year after implementation." Tolling began January 5, 2025, so that one-year window has ended.
• Other crossings have their own tolls and peak hours, set by different agencies: Henry Hudson Bridge, Queens-Midtown Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel.
• The term: Gridlock Alert Day. All rates: Congestion Relief Zone toll. Overview: congestion pricing for TLC drivers. More in the tolls hub.