New York City’s new congestion pricing program has brought traffic reductions in its first week, according to data released by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Early data from the MTA shows a 7.5% decrease in daily traffic, or roughly 43,000 fewer cars compared to the same period last year.
Officials compared the numbers from October 2024, when roughly 642,000 vehicles drove daily into the congestion pricing zone south of 60th Street, and last week, when just 539,000 entered the zone.
The effect in New York has been most pronounced during the morning rush hour period, with travel times over certain crossings falling by 40% or more.
Juliette Michaelson, the MTA’s deputy chief of policy and external relations, said the results are already noticeable.
"Just look out the window: there is less traffic, quieter streets, and we think everyone has seen it," Michaelson said.
Traffic analyst Bob Pishue from INRIX, remains cautious.
"Fewer people are coming into Manhattan, but we’re not seeing a significant impact on speeds within the zone yet," Pishue said.
The MTA plans to monitor and analyze traffic patterns over the coming months to gauge the program’s long-term effectiveness.
Source: Fox 5, The Associated Press
