After years of preparation, as of the 5th, congestion fees have begun to be charged in the downtown and midtown areas of Manhattan Island, becoming the first area in the USA to implement such fees. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York announced on the 5th that the congestion fee collection method will be implemented immediately, and vehicles entering the congestion reduction zone south of 60th Street on Manhattan Island will be charged a congestion fee. According to the collection plan, vehicles only need to pay the congestion fee once per day when entering the congestion reduction zone, allowing multiple entries and exits from the area. The payment amount depends on whether the vehicle enters the reduction zone during peak traffic hours, the type of vehicle, and the method of congestion fee payment. For New York City taxis and Online Car-hailing that enter, leave, drive through, or operate within the congestion reduction zone, passengers will pay a lower congestion fee. Additionally, vehicles from low-income groups can enjoy discounts, while vehicles for disabled individuals, emergency vehicles, buses, and certain government vehicles are exempt from congestion fees. (Xinhua News Agency)