17.6M fewer vehicles entered Manhattan since congestion pricing launch: NY officials

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced Tuesday that the number of cars entering Manhattan has fallen 12 percent since New York City’s congestion pricing went into effect.

According to official figures, 17.6 million fewer vehicles have entered Manhattan’s “congestion zone” this year compared to the same period last year. The politically dicey congestion pricing scheme — the first in the U.S. — took effect in January. The program, which charges higher tolls to enter the busiest parts of the city, was adopted to reduce gridlock and boost funding for public transportation.

“With summer coming to an end, the benefits of congestion pricing are clearer than ever,” Hochul said in a statement. “This program has been nothing short of transformational, making streets safer, reducing gridlock across the region, and unlocking generational upgrades to mass transit, benefitting millions.”

The Trump administration has sued to try to stop the novel pricing system. It remains in effect while it is being challenged in the court.

“Congestion pricing is working, it is legal and the cameras are staying on,” Hochul said Tuesday.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, which has been leading the administration’s effort to upend the congestion pricing program, didn’t immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.

The latest report shows that commuters traveling at morning peak times were able to get into the city faster. Compared to last year, crossing times dropped 13 percent at the Brooklyn Bridge, 36 percent at the Holland Tunnel and 5 percent at the Lincoln Tunnel.

Additionally, crashes in the congestion relief zone have fallen 14 percent and traffic injuries are down by 15 percent.