Manhattan Traffic Takes a Hit as Congestion Pricing Enters One-Year Mark
The first year of New York City's congestion pricing scheme has seen significant results, with 27 million fewer vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street since the tolls kicked in. According to the MTA, daily traffic within the central business district has plummeted by an average of 11%, a stark contrast to the preceding year.
The numbers have pleased Governor Kathy Hochul, who celebrated what she called a "victory" at a recent press conference. The success of congestion pricing has also been praised by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and MTA Chair Janno Lieber, with all three hailing the program's positive impact on air quality and revenue for public transit.
However, critics have largely fallen silent since the initiative launched. A campaign promise made by Mamdani to make buses "fast and free" has also started to bear fruit, with bus speeds in the toll zone increasing by 2.3%.
Despite initial reservations from President Donald Trump's administration, congestion pricing remains firmly intact, with a hearing on an MTA lawsuit against the Federal Transportation Department set for later this month. The lack of pushback from critics and officials suggests that the program has started to win over skeptics.
While traffic numbers in Manhattan have decreased significantly, many wonder if these gains will be sustained as the program continues into its second year and beyond.
The first year of New York City's congestion pricing scheme has seen significant results, with 27 million fewer vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street since the tolls kicked in. According to the MTA, daily traffic within the central business district has plummeted by an average of 11%, a stark contrast to the preceding year.
The numbers have pleased Governor Kathy Hochul, who celebrated what she called a "victory" at a recent press conference. The success of congestion pricing has also been praised by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and MTA Chair Janno Lieber, with all three hailing the program's positive impact on air quality and revenue for public transit.
However, critics have largely fallen silent since the initiative launched. A campaign promise made by Mamdani to make buses "fast and free" has also started to bear fruit, with bus speeds in the toll zone increasing by 2.3%.
Despite initial reservations from President Donald Trump's administration, congestion pricing remains firmly intact, with a hearing on an MTA lawsuit against the Federal Transportation Department set for later this month. The lack of pushback from critics and officials suggests that the program has started to win over skeptics.
While traffic numbers in Manhattan have decreased significantly, many wonder if these gains will be sustained as the program continues into its second year and beyond.
I mean, 27 million fewer vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street? That's crazy talk! It's like a weight has been lifted off those roads or something. And the numbers aren't just in terms of traffic, but air quality too - which is a major win for the city.
The fact that critics are now on board and bus speeds are actually increasing? That's a big deal. I'm curious to see how it all plays out in the next year, though - will we see more of these gains or some kind of slowdown? Either way, I think this is a step in the right direction for NYC! 
! congestion pricing was always gonna make a difference on traffic - it's like, simple math, fewer cars = less congestion! 
. can't wait to see how this continues into next year 
. I mean, it's all well and good that air quality has improved and revenue for public transit is on the rise, but have they considered the impact on small businesses and local residents who rely on those services? And what about the extra burden it puts on out-of-state visitors and tourists? Congestion pricing might be a clever solution for NYC, but let's not get too carried away with the celebratory vibes just yet 
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. It's also great to see the numbers adding up, 27 million fewer vehicles? That's some serious impact! I'm curious to see how it'll hold up over time though, only time will tell 
governor hochul and mayor mamdani are on point. but what's next? will they tackle the whole city or just keep it to manhattan? 
. The fact that daily traffic has dropped by 11% is a win-win for the city and its residents. I'm glad to see Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani, and MTA Chair Lieber are all on board with this initiative 
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. And it's impressive that critics haven't really spoken out since the program launched - I guess they were right to be quiet! 
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), but it seems like the people in charge have put their feet down and made it work. The "fast and free" buses? Genius! 
Only time will tell, but for now, I'm all for keeping this program on track 
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I'm loving how congestion pricing is working out for NYC - 27 million fewer vehicles, that's insane! 
The speed improvements on buses too are a nice bonus. Interesting 
how it's winning over critics now.
it's like totally saving our lives from all the crazy traffic on 5th Ave lol I mean who needs to sit in that nightmare for hours every day? 
anyway, fingers crossed the gains keep coming and we can all breathe a little easier. 
. And what about the buses being "fast and free"? That sounds like a sweet deal but I'm sure there are gonna be some major logistical issues when it's actually implemented 
But 11% decrease in traffic? That sounds pretty solid, but what about the people who have to pay those tolls every day? Are they making up for it with better bus speeds? 
it was like parking in a nightmare! but since they introduced that congestion pricing thing, it's been a whole different story