As of tomorrow, Sunday, January 5th, 2025, Hatzalah members driving into the congestion pricing zones in New York City will be subject to tolls ranging between $2.25 and $9, depending on the time of day. This new policy, which applies to all drivers entering these zones, is part of the city’s broader congestion pricing plan.
A notice issued by Yehiel M. Kalish, CEO of Hatzalah, warns that, despite the vital emergency services they provide, there will be no exemption for Hatzalah members answering calls in the congestion pricing zones. The only vehicles exempt from the tolls are Chevra Hatzalah ambulances, which will not be charged.
Hatzalah has been actively working with government officials, including the Governor, the Department of Health, and the MTA, to seek potential exemptions for its volunteers. Once these discussions are complete, members who qualify for an exemption will be notified. However, if no such notification is received, members are advised to assume that they will be required to pay the toll for entering the zone, even if responding to an emergency call.
{Matzav.com}