New York City Congestion Pricing Reduces Traffic Count, Wait Times
New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced a 12% drop in vehicles entering Manhattan since it implemented congestion tolls in January.
The Central Business District Tolling Program charges drivers entering a portion of Manhattan in an effort to reduce traffic and air pollution. The revenue funds transit improvements across the region.
Since the congestion pricing program started, 17.6 million fewer cars entered the congestion zone compared to last year, according to MTA.
“With summer coming to an end, the benefits of congestion pricing are clearer than ever,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “This program has been nothing short of transformational, making streets safer, reducing gridlock across the region, and unlocking generational upgrades to mass transit, benefitting millions.”
The Trump administration sued to stop the pricing system, which is the first of its kind in the U.S. The program is still in effect while being challenged in court.
“Congestion pricing is working, it is legal, and the cameras are staying on,” Hochul said.
Every crossing entering the Manhattan congestion relief zone has seen reduced morning peak travel times this year. The affected routes include:
- Brooklyn Bridge, 13% faster
- Holland Tunnel, 36% faster
- Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, 16% faster
- Lincoln Tunnel, 10% faster
- Manhattan Bridge, 5% faster
- Queens-Midtown Tunnel, 4% faster
- Queensboro Bridge, 21% faster
- Williamsburg Bridge, 23% faster
Crashes in the relief zone are down 14% and traffic injuries dropped 15%, according to MTA. Public transportation ridership has increased since January across all modes, including subway, bus and rail.
“In less than a year, New Yorkers are seeing massive benefits from congestion relief, including new rail cars, dozens of ADA elevators and signal modernization,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said in a statement. “This initiative has demonstrated that government can do big things that deliver results — less traffic, safer streets, and improved quality of life for transit users, drivers and pedestrians alike.”