The tolling program will charge most drivers $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours, starting Jan. 5. CBS News New York's Natalie Duddridge reports.

With congestion pricing set to start on Jan. 5, the MTA now says it has the right to hike the prices even more on gridlock alert days.

The MTA is accepting applications for drivers and vehicles that may qualify for a discount or exemptions when congestion pricing starts on Sunday, Jan. 5. There are seven categories of exemptions: a low-income discount,

The MTA says it has the right to add on a 25% surcharge during gridlock alert days. Those days include when the UN General Assembly is in session, when the president is in the city, or when holiday traffic is at its heaviest.

The MTA says much of the revenue it expects to get from congestion pricing will go towards solving subway station accessibility issues.

Gov. Kathy Hochul put the kibosh on the MTA’s plan to boost congestion pricing in Manhattan during times of extreme gridlock. The MTA has floated plans to charge an additional 25% on top of the $9 it plans to tax drivers heading into the Big Apple’s congestion relief zone — an area that extends from 60th St.