The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has reported that New York City (NYC) traffic has fallen by 273,000 cars in the central business district from Monday to Friday since a congestion charge scheme for vehicles came into effect January 5.
MTA’s estimation also suggests that traffic fell by 7.5% compared with estimates for January week days without the scheme in place.
The congestion zone covers an area south of Central Park, taking in such well-known sites as the Empire State Building, Times Square and the financial district around Wall Street.
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A first-of-its-kind for the United States, the congestion fee charges drivers $9 (£7.38) once per day to enter the congestion zone at peak times and $2.25 (£1.85) outside of them.
Additionally, small trucks and non-commuter buses pay $14.40 (£11.81) to enter Manhattan at peak times, while larger trucks and tourist buses pay $21.60 (£17.71).
MTA CEO Janno Lieber said: “The early data backs up what New Yorkers have been telling us all week – traffic is down, the streets feel safer, and buses are moving faster.”
MTA Bridges and Tunnels COO Allison C de Cerreño will be speaking at Road User Charging Conference Brussels 2025 about NYC’s new congestion zone, discussing the process behind the scheme and how MTA aims to to adapt it in the future. Click here to learn more and secure your place!
Discover the key trends and challenges shaping the future of user-financed transportation –spanning tolling, pricing and road usage charging – at Akabo Media’s global Road User Charging Conference series. Join senior decision-makers from around the world as they tackle the issues defining the industry in Brussels (March 2025), Abu Dhabi (May 2025), Miami (September 2025), and Singapore (October 2025). Gain invaluable insights, share innovative ideas and network with global leaders driving the transformation of transportation systems. Click here to learn more and secure your place!
