Yesterday, September 9, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) released an update on Manhattan congestion pricing that, in New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s words, shows the CBDTP program “has been nothing short of transformational, making streets safer, reducing gridlock across the region, and unlocking generational upgrades to mass transit, benefitting millions.”
Performance metrics updated to the end of August show, among other things:
- the number of vehicles entering the congestion zone last month was 2.7 million below baseline, a 14 percent reduction that made August one of the best months so far for vehicle reduction
- traffic in the zone has fallen 12 percent overall since the program’s January start, meaning 17.6 million fewer vehicles have entered the zone compared to last year
- every crossing that’s a threshold to the zone has seen morning peak travel times reduced, in all but one case by double-digit percentages (Holland Tunnel commutes into the zone are now 36 percent faster)
- the zone is now safer, as crashes are down 14 percent and traffic injuries have fallen by 15 percent
- patronage of all modes of transit has increased on a year-over-year basis since January
- buses operate more efficiently within the zone, and there are improvements in subway and rail line services
In addition to its improvements in regional mobility and safety, the program is producing toll revenue that is funding regional transit improvements, including rail car replacements, signal modernization, station accessibility projects, and Second Avenue Subway construction.
The early success of congestion pricing is also gaining transportation industry recognition. Last week, MTA received an IBTTA Toll Excellence Award for social responsibility for launching the nation’s first cordon-based congestion pricing system in a way that demonstrates “tolling can deliver meaningful public benefits while balancing competing needs,” even in a “complex policy and regulatory environment.” IBTTA added, Through unprecedented community engagement, careful design, and a seamless rollout, New York’s CBDTP sets a new global standard for social responsibility in tolling.” In June, the Intelligent Transportation Society of New York gave MTA its 2025 Project of the Year Award for launching congestion pricing…