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.

The governor is renewing plans to start the tolling program, but at discounted rates. It is not clear whether the lower tolls could generate the $15 billion needed for mass transit repairs.