Congestion pricing will start in January with a $9 toll, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday. Hochul wants to restart the program with a lower cost, which is why it's being reduced from $15 for most daytime trips into Manhattan's Central Business District.

The program, which would charge drivers a fee for entering Manhattan south of 60th St., aims to ease traffic in central Manhattan, reduce pollution and raise funds for public transit improvements.

Cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street will face $9 day-time base tolls starting in January — a fee lower than the $15 originally planned, she said during a news conference. “I’m proud to announce we have found a path to fund the MTA, reduce congestion and keep millions of dollars in the pockets of our commuters.”