In New York City, congestion pricing will begin this Sunday, Jan. 5. The initiative, long debated, has drawn mixed reactions. Proponents argue it will ease traffic congestion, while critics claim it is a profit-driven move by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Gov. Phil Murphy’s attorney claims a judge’s ruling this week effectively rescinded key federal approvals for the tolling program.

New York’s much-debated plan to charge drivers to enter the center of Manhattan is set to take effect Sunday just after midnight, following years of bureaucratic and legal roadblocks. The goals of what is known as “congestion pricing” are to reduce gridlock and pollution and raise revenue for public transit.

Beginning Sunday, most motorists will have to pay $9 for driving below 60th Street in Manhattan, as New York’s first-in-the-nation congestion pricing plan takes effect in an area traversed by 700,000 vehicles daily.