IN THE NEWS---HOCHUL'S $9 CONGESTION CON BEGINS TODAY

Congestion toll takes effect, costing NYC commuters $9 to drive below 60th Street--Motorists heading into some of Manhattan’s busiest neighborhoods have begun shelling out a first-in-the-nation $9 congestion toll — a controversial levy critics contend will drive people out of Gotham and devastate the local economy.  The scheme officially took effect at midnight on Sunday, meaning drivers entering the city below 60th Street will now have to pay $9 during peak hours — 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends — and $2.25 for off-peak hours. MORE AT Hochul's $9 NYC congestion tolls set to roll out Jan. 5