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  6. Commuter Bus Exemption Plan

Commuter Bus Exemption Plan

Buses enrolled in the Commuter Bus Exemption Plan (CoBEP) are exempt from the Congestion Relief Zone toll.

After you submit your application, make sure a member of your team is available to answer questions.

Qualifying buses include: 

  • Commuter, transit, and intercity buses. These buses must have fixed routes, and must be open to the public. 
  • Commuter vans licensed with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission 
  • School buses contracted with the NYC Department of Education. 

Tour buses and charter buses are ineligible for CoBEP.

Eligibility and credentials

Commuter, transit, and intercity buses registered in New York State must provide NYSDOT Common Carrier Certificate/Permit. 

Commuter, transit, and intercity buses registered in other States must provide state-issued authorization to provide bus services; supporting documentation showing that the buses operate on a schedule and fixed route; and registration for every vehicle on the application. 

TLC-authorized commuter vans must provide TLC vehicle license, TLC authorization, registration for every vehicle on the application. 

NYC DOE-contracted school buses must provide the NYCDOE contract number and expiration date, and registration for every vehicle on the application. 

Enrollment in CoBEP requires a valid E-ZPass NY Business account. Organizations without an E-ZPass NY Business account must sign up for one before applying for CoBEP. Learn more about signing up for E-ZPass NY.

How to apply

The CoBEP application is available on the MTA website. Follow these steps:

  1. Complete the online application.
  2. Upload the required documentation.

You can also download a copy of the application on the E-ZPass website . Applying online is the preferred method for a faster and more convenient process.

Applicants will receive a formal decision notice once their application is processed. If the application is denied, the decision notice will provide information on how to appeal.

For assistance, you can also contact the E-ZPass Customer Service Center at 800-333-8655.

How to Recertify

Annual recertification is required for the CoBEP based on the date the plan was added to your E-ZPass NY account. You will receive a notice (by email or mail) when it is time to recertify.

Recertification opens approximately 90 days before your plan expires. We encourage you to submit your recertification application as early as possible to ensure your plan remains active.

Customers can now complete their CoBEP recertification online. Follow these steps:

  1. Select Apply/Recertify for CoBEP below.
  2. Log in to your CoBEP application account using the same email and password you used when you first applied.*
  3. Select “Recertify” once logged into your CoBEP application account.
  4. Review your application information and upload the required documents as proof of eligibility.
  5. Submit your application to complete the recertification process.

Applicants will receive a formal decision notice once their application is processed. If the application is denied, the decision notice will provide information on how to appeal.

*NOTE: If you previously submitted a CoBEP application by mail, we encourage you to create an online CoBEP application profile and submit your application electronically for faster processing.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the recertification process, you can also call the E-ZPass Customer Service Center at 800-333-8655 for assistance. 

Apply/Recertify for CoBEP