Manhattan Manages a Dramatic 11% Reduction in Daily Traffic as Congestion Pricing Program Hits One-Year Mark.
Governor Kathy Hochul was jubilant on Monday, celebrating one year since congestion pricing took effect in Manhattan, touting significant reductions in traffic and an uptick in bus speeds. The MTA reported that 27 million fewer vehicles entered the central business district below 60th Street in the first year of the program, with daily traffic plummeting by an average 11% compared to the previous year.
The data supports Hochul's assertion that congestion pricing is winning, citing improvements in air quality and revenue for public transit projects. The governor was joined by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and MTA Chair Janno Lieber, who all praised the program for its success.
In a surprising turn of events, Mamdani, the new mayor, opted to defend congestion pricing, deviating from his predecessor's approach of deflecting criticism. His campaign pledge to make buses fast and free has indeed been partially fulfilled, with bus speeds in the toll zone increasing by 2.3%.
Critics of congestion pricing had largely gone silent since its implementation, a trend that may be attributed to the program's success. However, its future remains uncertain, as President Trump's administration continues to pursue efforts to repeal the tolls.
An MTA lawsuit against the federal transportation department is set to go to trial later this month, providing another hurdle for those seeking to dismantle congestion pricing. For now, Hochul and her allies are basking in the success of their program, citing tangible benefits for New Yorkers.
Governor Kathy Hochul was jubilant on Monday, celebrating one year since congestion pricing took effect in Manhattan, touting significant reductions in traffic and an uptick in bus speeds. The MTA reported that 27 million fewer vehicles entered the central business district below 60th Street in the first year of the program, with daily traffic plummeting by an average 11% compared to the previous year.
The data supports Hochul's assertion that congestion pricing is winning, citing improvements in air quality and revenue for public transit projects. The governor was joined by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and MTA Chair Janno Lieber, who all praised the program for its success.
In a surprising turn of events, Mamdani, the new mayor, opted to defend congestion pricing, deviating from his predecessor's approach of deflecting criticism. His campaign pledge to make buses fast and free has indeed been partially fulfilled, with bus speeds in the toll zone increasing by 2.3%.
Critics of congestion pricing had largely gone silent since its implementation, a trend that may be attributed to the program's success. However, its future remains uncertain, as President Trump's administration continues to pursue efforts to repeal the tolls.
An MTA lawsuit against the federal transportation department is set to go to trial later this month, providing another hurdle for those seeking to dismantle congestion pricing. For now, Hochul and her allies are basking in the success of their program, citing tangible benefits for New Yorkers.
! I mean, who doesn't love less cars on the road and cleaner air? But, at the same time, I'm not entirely sure if this is all sunshine and rainbows... I mean, didn't we learn from all those toll booths in London back in the 90s that people might just find ways to adapt and avoid paying? 
And what about the buses? Yeah, they're moving faster, but are we talking about real quality of service here or just some PR spin 
? All I know is that I'm glad New Yorkers got a taste of less traffic chaos... now let's see if they can keep it up 
. The 11% reduction in daily traffic is pretty impressive - I can see why Hochul is celebrating 
. It's also great to hear that bus speeds have increased, making the whole system faster and more efficient 
. I guess all the critics were right, and it just needed a bit of time to kick in 
. But seriously, this is a huge win for NYC's infrastructure - let's hope President Trump's team doesn't try to mess with it now 
.
Congestion pricing has failed miserably! I mean, an 11% reduction in traffic sounds great on paper but what about all the people who can't afford to pay the toll? It's just another way for the city to get richer off of poor commuters who have no choice. And don't even get me started on the buses - a 2.3% increase in speed is not exactly going to change anyone's life. I bet if you actually took a look at the numbers, they'd be skewed by all the tourists who came to "ex experience" the city after hearing about this so-called "success". And what's with President Trump trying to repeal it? Isn't that just a cop-out for people who can't accept change? 
It's not like we need more traffic on the roads to start another drama 
. President Trump can try to repeal tolls all he wants, but NYC is already doing just fine without him 
. I mean 27 million fewer vehicles is no joke but I'm still waiting for my bus to leave me standing in the pouring rain for like an hour and a half before it finally shows up 
.