Manhattan Manages a 27 Million Vehicle Drop: A Year of Congestion Pricing Payoff
As Monday marked the one-year anniversary of New York City's congestion pricing program, Governor Kathy Hochul declared victory over traffic woes. According to data released by the MTA, a staggering 27 million fewer vehicles entered Manhattan below 60th Street in the first year of the program, which charges drivers a base fare of $9 to enter the central business district.
On average, traffic in the zone decreased by 11% each day compared to the year prior to the tolls going live. This significant reduction has not only improved air quality but also raised revenue for public transit improvements.
The program's impact was celebrated at a news conference where Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and MTA Chair Janno Lieber praised its successes. Mamdani noted that the congestion pricing program has been successful across various metrics, including its benefits to New Yorkers regardless of their mode of transportation.
While some critics had voiced concerns about the tolls, their voices have largely fallen silent since the program's launch. In fact, President Donald Trump's administration has struggled to eliminate the tolls, with a hearing in an MTA lawsuit against the federal transportation department over the issue set for later this month.
As Monday marked the one-year anniversary of New York City's congestion pricing program, Governor Kathy Hochul declared victory over traffic woes. According to data released by the MTA, a staggering 27 million fewer vehicles entered Manhattan below 60th Street in the first year of the program, which charges drivers a base fare of $9 to enter the central business district.
On average, traffic in the zone decreased by 11% each day compared to the year prior to the tolls going live. This significant reduction has not only improved air quality but also raised revenue for public transit improvements.
The program's impact was celebrated at a news conference where Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and MTA Chair Janno Lieber praised its successes. Mamdani noted that the congestion pricing program has been successful across various metrics, including its benefits to New Yorkers regardless of their mode of transportation.
While some critics had voiced concerns about the tolls, their voices have largely fallen silent since the program's launch. In fact, President Donald Trump's administration has struggled to eliminate the tolls, with a hearing in an MTA lawsuit against the federal transportation department over the issue set for later this month.
I mean, you can feel the difference walking around those streets now. Congestion pricing was a risk, but it's clear it's been worth it - not just for us NYC dwellers who hate traffic jams, but also for our air quality 
The revenue from these tolls is gonna make a huge impact on our public transit system 
I'm glad to see the critics aren't as loud as they were at first. Trump's admin trying to take them down now? 
Not surprising, tbh 
i mean dont get me wrong its better than traffic jams but come on 27 million fewer vehicles is just more cars stuck in nj or somewhere else 
what about all the people who cant afford it? and btw didnt trump complain about the tolls before they even got implemented? seems kinda rich coming from him now 
27 million fewer vehicles on the roads is huge - that's like taking out all but 10% of the worst traffic in the city. And the best part is, we can finally breathe easy knowing our air quality has improved thanks to those tolls.
Now let's just hope we can keep up the good work and make even more strides in the future! 
. I mean, 27 million fewer vehicles is no joke! Guess it's proof that charging people to drive into Manhattan works 
️. And nice move on raising revenue for public transit improvements – about time NYC prioritized those buses and trains over cars 
. I remember back in the day when driving into the city was like a whole different world – chaotic and stressful. But now, with 27 million fewer vehicles, it's like the island is finally getting its sanity back 
. It's amazing how something that may seem like a hassle at first (paying those tolls) can actually have such a positive impact on air quality and public transit 
I'm not buying that everyone's just magically chillin' in Manhattan now 
And what's up with Trump's admin tryin' to take them down? Sounds like they might be gettin' a little salty 'cause their own traffic woes 
what's crazy is that air quality has improved and revenue for public transit has increased too! it's like, yay nyc for taking care of the planet 