New York City's congestion pricing program is set to take effect this Sunday, but ride-hailing company Lyft is offering a reprieve to its customers. For the first month, Lyft will be crediting riders who pay the fee, providing some relief to those who will be impacted by the new charge.

The congestion pricing program, aimed at reducing traffic in lower Manhattan and raising funds for mass transit, was initially paused by Governor Kathy Hochul in June before being reinstated at a reduced price. The program will charge different prices for different vehicles at various times of the day, with regular cars being charged $9 to drive in Manhattan below 60th St during daytime hours. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft will be charged $1.50 per ride.

Lyft passengers will be charged the congestion pricing fee like everyone else, but the company will credit them with the amount they paid, which can be used towards Lyft or Citi Bike rides in the following week. This move is seen as a "small gesture to help people adjust to another new expense," according to Lyft. The company is also working to reduce the overall cost of rides.

It's worth noting that this new fee is in addition to an existing $2.75 congestion fee for rides that begin, end, or pass through Manhattan below 96th St. Lyft's decision to credit riders for the new fee is likely an effort to maintain customer loyalty and mitigate the impact of the increased cost on its users.

The implications of NYC's congestion pricing program are far-reaching, with potential effects on traffic patterns, air quality, and the overall livability of the city. As the program takes effect, it will be interesting to see how ride-hailing companies like Lyft adapt and respond to the changing landscape. Will other companies follow Lyft's lead and offer similar credits or discounts to their customers? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, Lyft's decision to credit riders for the congestion pricing fee is a welcome move for those who rely on the service. As the city navigates this new program, it's clear that companies like Lyft will play a key role in shaping the future of transportation in NYC.