New York City has just implemented congestion pricing on cars. Is a big city in Canada next? [Video]

New York City, a bustling metropolis with eight million people all trying to get somewhere, has now put a price on cars entering part of Manhattan. It is the first of its kind in North America.

The charge, called congestion pricing, is aimed at reducing traffic and pollution. The city also plans to use the money to upgrade its public transportation system, run by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).

Most drivers of passenger vehicles will be charged $9 US to enter Manhattan south of Central Park on weekdays between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. and on weekends between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. During off hours, the toll drops to $2.25 US. It is a one-time charge per day.

MTA said the program will result in 80,000 fewer cars a day in the area, which would be a roughly 11 per cent reduction in traffic.

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