New York City’s controversial congestion toll came into effect Sunday at midnight, taxing Midtown Manhattan drivers as much as $9 to make their way around the busiest part of the city. The congestion pricing system will charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th street $9 during the peak hours of 5 a.

In New York City, congestion pricing will begin this Sunday, Jan. 5. The initiative, long debated, has drawn mixed reactions. Proponents argue it will ease traffic congestion, while critics claim it is a profit-driven move by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

The program had defied many obstacles over the course of decades. It debuted over the weekend on what seemed to be a successful first day.