Two months into New York City’s congestion‑pricing program, preliminary data indicates a sharp reduction in traffic, improved transit access, and record revenues that may reshape urban mobility.**
Traffic volumes plunge
Since the tolling began on Jan. 5, vehicle entries into Manhattan’s central business district—south of 61st Street—dropped between 475,000 and 560,000 per day, down from a typical baseline of approximately 583,000, reflecting a 7.5% decline in the first week ([en.wikipedia.org][1]). Daily vehicle entries have remained well below pre‑toll levels during the two‑month period.
Travel times accelerate
Drivers crossing between New Jersey and Manhattan experienced 30–40% faster trips via the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel. Within Manhattan, crosstown and avenue travel times improved 20–30% ([en.wikipedia.org][1]). Express bus speeds, notably the SIM24 route from Staten Island, rose by 5.3%, cutting nearly four minutes per trip.
Public transit sees modest gains
Transit ridership has edged upward. In late January, MTA reported a 7.3% increase in subway and bus usage compared to the prior year, as one million fewer cars entered the zone.
Revenues exceed expectations
The MTA collected roughly $48 million in tolls in January and $52 million in February. By late April, total revenue reached $215 million. Projections suggest up to $15 billion in bondable income to fund long-term capital improvements to transit infrastructure .
Economic and environmental effects emerge
Noise complaints and parking violations have fallen. A Regional Plan Association study in early March estimated the faster travel times could yield economic savings of $500 million to $1.3 billion annually. Pedestrian and yellow‑taxi activity within the zone has increased, and business foot traffic has remained steady or improved.
Freight and spillover concerns
Traffic on the Cross Bronx Expressway has risen, raising air‑quality concerns for nearby communities. However, congestion in Northern New Jersey reportedly decreased by as much as 14%, suggesting a broader regional balancing effect .
Enforcement is ramping up
The NYPD has seized license plates and vehicles using fake or obscured tags to evade the charge, underscoring active enforcement efforts.
Public reception
Initial surveys show growing acceptance of the program, with fewer drivers entering the zone and fewer complaints reported over time . Still, critics warn against regressive impacts on lower-income residents and those from outer boroughs or suburbs.
Next steps
NY state and the city will evaluate the potential expansion of exemptions or discounts for low‑income drivers. Legal challenges persist, though federal courts have largely upheld the program following NEPA review. In the coming months, attention will shift to how revenues are deployed on transit upgrades and whether early gains in congestion relief are sustained.
NYC Journals 