"Congestion pricing works" in New York City say officials after a year in action
The first major traffic congestion pricing in the US, which rolled out a year ago today in New York City, has been considered a success according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority and New York governor Kathy Hochul.
Congestion pricing – known formally as the Central Business District Tolling Program – was implemented in January 2025.
Data available through the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and other studies show that the initiative has decreased air pollution and traffic, increased foot traffic to local businesses and raised more than $500 million, which is slated to fund improvements for the city's transit system.
Congestion pricing was rolled out under New York Governor Kathy Hochul on 5 January 2025 and comprises tolling vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ).
It covers access to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan under 60th Street.
The tolls are charged via EZ-Pass or mail and include $9 for passengers and up to $21.60 for trucks and buses. Fares decrease significantly after 9pm, although they are expected to be adjusted for inflation over the years.
"The cameras are staying on."
Upon its initial release, the program was implemented not only to reduce traffic and pollution but also to provide safer streets for pedestrians and bikers, and a "more livable city" for New Yorkers, according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).
An infographic released by Governor Kathy Hochul on X shows that 23.7 million fewer vehicles have entered the CRZ than in 2024, and bridge and tunnel crossings are as much as 23 per cent faster than before congestion pricing.
"Congestion pricing is working," reads the post. "The cameras are staying on."
The infographic also pictures a 22 per cent decrease in harmful fine particulate matter, which refers to a Cornell University study on the initiative that found that "New York City's congestion pricing policy significantly reduced ambient air pollution across the broader New York metropolitan area".
Other results showed that commuters are saving as much as 21 minutes on daily trips, according to MTA, and that "traffic delays are 25 per cent lower than would be expected" without the program, according to the Regional Plan Association, which called it a "resounding success".
The AIA New York, a member of the Congestion Pricing Now coalition, says it "remains a staunch supporter of congestion pricing".
"AIA New York has and remains a staunch supporter of Congestion Pricing"
"The one-year anniversary of the implementation of the Congestion Relief Program is a testament to our ability to implement ambitious policies that serve New Yorkers in their everyday lives," executive director of AIA New York Jesse Lazar told Dezeen.
"Not only are we seeing the benefits of the program in real time with better air quality and fewer cars on the roads, but the critical revenue generated from the program for the MTA's Capital Program will provide the necessary funding to support the maintenance and expansion of our city's transit system. AIA New York has and remains a staunch supporter of Congestion Pricing."
Money generated by the tolls will go to projects such as increasing accessibility across subway stations and "modernising" subway signals, according to the governor.
Regional train lines such as the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North are also slated to purchase 300 new cars, according to local news outlet Pix 11.
While Hochul stated congestion pricing will remain in effect, as of late last year, other officials, such as president Donald Trump, remain against the initiative.
Lessening the burden of cars in cities has been a hot topic among urbanists.
Previously, writer Phineas Harper discussed how politicians should actively dismantle car infrastructure rather than just rely on congestion pricing, while transport designer Paul Priestman said that self-driving cars will "exacerbate congestion rather than improve it" in a 2018 interview.
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