Pedestrians cross an intersection in Lower Manhattan, New York City, the United States, on Jan. 3, 2025. A U.S. federal judge in New Jersey on Friday dismissed a last-minute attempt to block New York City's congestion pricing plan, allowing it to take effect Sunday.(Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

NEW YORK, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal judge in New Jersey on Friday dismissed a last-minute attempt to block New York City's congestion pricing plan, allowing it to take effect Sunday.

The decision means that starting from Sunday, drivers entering Manhattan below the 60th Street during peak hours will face a congestion fee of nine U.S. dollars.

While the Metropolitan Transportation Authority welcomed the decision, opponents in New Jersey vowed to appeal the decision before Sunday. According to local media, one lawyer for New Jersey suggested seeking emergency relief from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

As the first of its kind in the United States, the Manhattan congestion pricing plan was first introduced and approved in 2019 under the administration of then New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. ■

A bike rider joins the traffic in Lower Manhattan, New York City, the United States, on Jan. 3, 2025. A U.S. federal judge in New Jersey on Friday dismissed a last-minute attempt to block New York City's congestion pricing plan, allowing it to take effect Sunday. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

Vehicles are seen around the World Trade Center in New York City, the United States, on Jan. 3, 2025. A U.S. federal judge in New Jersey on Friday dismissed a last-minute attempt to block New York City's congestion pricing plan, allowing it to take effect Sunday.(Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

A pedestrian crosses an intersection around the World Trade Center, New York City, the United States, on Jan. 3, 2025. A U.S. federal judge in New Jersey on Friday dismissed a last-minute attempt to block New York City's congestion pricing plan, allowing it to take effect Sunday.(Xinhua/Liu Yanan)