• by Tanya Gazdik , January 3, 2025

As New York City prepares to roll out its new congestion fee starting Jan. 5, Lyft is taking action to support its rider community.

Every time a rider pays the new congestion fee for rides below 61st Street, Lyft will credit them $1.50 to put toward a future rideshare or Citi Bike ride, good for the following week. The credit will run through the entire month of January. 

New Yorkers of all incomes rely on rideshare for commutes, job interviews, doctors’ appointments, and other important trips. But rides in NYC are among the most expensive in the country, partially due to all the government-imposed taxes and fees riders have to pay before even stepping into a vehicle. 

The new $1.50 congestion fee is on top of a separate $2.75 congestion fee riders already pay to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).  

This is a small gesture to help people adjust to another new expense, even as Lyft works to reduce the overall cost of rides in 2025, says Michael Brous, the head of Lyft Urban Solutions.

"As we step into 2025, we know everyone has new goals and places to explore,” Brous tells Marketing Daily. “And we want riders to know we have their backs, no matter how they use our platform. So whether it's making it easier to get to work with our Price Lock feature, to meet up with friends with one of our Citi Bikes, or to simply adjust to new fees, we're here to serve and connect all New Yorkers.”