Understanding New York State rider prices

The price you pay for an Uber or Lyft ride in New York City or the rest of New York State is largely determined by state and city government-mandated pricing rules, taxes, fees, and surcharges. In recent years, the introduction of new rules and fees has led to increases in the price you pay to get around town.

Below is more information about the different components that make your trip more expensive.

NYC TLC Driver Minimum Earnings Rule
The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) adopted rules in December 2018 that establish per-trip driver payment standards for High-Volume For-Hire Services like Uber and Lyft. These rates are subject to annual inflation increases. 

Out-of-town surcharge
TLC’s Minimum Earnings Rule includes additional requirements for trips that begin in New York City and end outside New York City limits, which makes out-of-town trips more expensive for riders.

New York State (excluding NYC) Earnings Guarantee
Under Uber’s agreement with the New York Attorney General’s Office, beginning February 2024, drivers earn an hourly minimum payment standard for trip time in New York State, excluding NYC.

In addition, you’ll continue to notice other government-imposed taxes, fees, and surcharges listed on your receipt. These fees make your rides more expensive and do not go to your driver or Uber. For example, for an Uber ride that begins in Midtown Manhattan and ends at LaGuardia Airport, roughly 18% of your payment goes to various government taxes, fees, and surcharges. Read below to learn more:

NYS Congestion Surcharge (Below 96th St)
For New York trips starting in, ending in, or passing through Manhattan (below 96th Street), a congestion surcharge of $2.75 per trip or $0.75 per carpool ride is applied. The charge will appear on your receipt as “NYS Congestion Fee (Below 96th St).” The full amount of the surcharge is sent to the  MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority), as mandated by NY State law.

NY State Black Car Fund
The NY State Black Car Fund surcharge applies on all trips that begin in New York State. This money does not go to the driver or Uber, but goes to a driver’s injury compensation fund, as mandated by New York State law.

Sales Tax
Sales tax applies on most rides. This will appear on your receipt as “Sales Tax.” This money does not go to the driver or Uber, but is remitted to New York State.

Port Authority Fee
For trips beginning or ending at Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, or John F. Kennedy airports, an airport access surcharge is applied. The full amount of the surcharge will be sent to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, as required by Port Authority rules. This fee will appear on your receipts as a part of the “Tolls, Surcharges, and Fees” section. This money does not go to the driver or Uber, but is remitted to the Port Authority.

TNC Fee
New York State also requires certain trips originating outside of New York City, be charged the  New York Transportation Network Company (TNC) fee. This fee, paid to New York State, appears on your receipt as “TNC Assessment Fee.” The NY Congestion Surcharge, tolls, and tips are not subject to the TNC fee. 

MTA Congestion Fee (Below 60th St)

Starting Jan 5, 2025 for trips starting in, ending in, or passing through Manhattan (below 60th Street) completed in a TLC licensed vehicle, a congestion surcharge of $1.50 per trip is applied. The charge will appear on your receipt as “MTA Congestion Fee (Below 60th St).” The full amount of the surcharge will be sent to the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority), as mandated by NY State law. This fee is in addition to the NYS Congestion Fee (Below 96th St).

Non-NYC Trip Congestion Zone Fund

Starting Jan 5, 2025: The MTA Congestion Pricing Toll (below 60th Street) rates vary based on the vehicle fulfilling the trip (e.g., taxi, For-Hire Vehicle, or personal vehicle). For trips originating outside of New York City that pass through the Congestion Zone, Uber charges flat rates and uses this fund to reimburse drivers based on potential tolls incurred, when applicable. The Non-NYC Originating Trip Congestion Zone Fund surcharge rate may vary.

Marketplace Fee
This is a variable rider fee, paid to Uber, meant to cover Uber’s operational costs in New York City.

Booking Fee
This is a variable rider fee that helps support Uber’s regulatory, safety, and operational costs, such as the government-mandated commercial auto insurance we maintain on behalf of TNC/rideshare drivers and payment card fees. Click here to learn more.

New York State Benefits Surcharge
The New York State Benefits Surcharge is a variable surcharge that helps Uber fund new benefits offered to drivers, as part of Uber’s agreement with the New York Attorney General.