The nation’s first congestion pricing toll closed out its third week in Manhattan on Friday.
Has it been profitable? Depends upon who will get requested.
Some drivers have stated they’ve felt a substantial impression on their commutes, with much less site visitors to take care of. However others have stated issues are about the identical.
The MTA launched new numbers on Friday exhibiting that regardless of some perceptions, the controversial tolling program has made a big effect on the variety of autos in Manhattan.
Hundreds of autos have been avoiding the congestion zone by staying on the exempt roads, the West Aspect Freeway and the FDR Drive. Throughout at some point in the course of the plan’s second week in impact, the MTA stated 526,844 autos traveled beneath 61st Road — however solely 464,796 entered into the congestion zone.
“Everybody’s lived experience is the same: Traffic in midtown is dramatically down,” stated MTA Chairman Janno Lieber.
Nonetheless, some stay agency of their opposition.
“There’s a lot less traffic in the congestion zone, but outside there’s a ton of traffic,” stated Joanne Ariola, a Republican Metropolis Councilwoman from Queens.
Many drivers — significantly these from New Jersey — proceed to really feel burdened by the $9 every day peak price. However security advocates level to a different good thing about the nation’s first congestion toll: fewer traffic-related casualties.
Up to now in 2025, there have been 37 accidents from 90 crashes within the congestion pricing zone. That is a 51% drop in comparison with the identical time in 2024, when there have been 76 accidents from 199 crashes.
It has but to be revealed simply how a lot cash the MTA has raked in in the course of the first three weeks of congestion pricing. The transit company’s board is prone to ask about that in the course of the first assembly of 2025, held over the last week of January.
