Congestion Pricing Impacts: Fewer Cars in Manhattan and Fewer Crashes, MTA Finds
The Nation’s First Congestion Pricing Toll Closes Out Its Third Week in Manhattan
The nation’s first congestion pricing toll closed out its third week in Manhattan on Friday. The impact of this program on drivers’ commutes is a topic of much debate.
Less Traffic in Midtown, Fewer Vehicles in the Congestion Zone
The MTA released new numbers on Friday, showing that despite some perceptions, the controversial tolling program has made a significant impact on the number of vehicles in Manhattan. Thousands of vehicles have been avoiding the congestion zone by staying on the exempt roads, the West Side Highway and the FDR Drive. During one day during the plan’s second week in effect, the MTA said 526,844 vehicles traveled below 61st Street — but only 464,796 entered into the congestion zone.
MTA Chairman’s Perspective
"Everybody’s lived experience is the same: Traffic in midtown is dramatically down," said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber.
Opposition Remains
Still, some remain firm in their opposition. "There’s a lot less traffic in the congestion zone, but outside there’s a ton of traffic," said Joanne Ariola, a Republican City Councilwoman from Queens.
Burden on Drivers and Safety Benefits
Many drivers — particularly those from New Jersey — continue to feel burdened by the $9 daily peak cost. However, safety advocates point to another benefit of the nation’s first congestion toll: fewer traffic-related casualties. Thus far in 2025, there have been 37 injuries from 90 crashes in the congestion pricing zone. That’s a 51% drop compared to the same time in 2024, when there were 76 injuries from 199 crashes.
Financial Impact
It has yet to be revealed just how much money the MTA has raked in during the first three weeks of congestion pricing. The transit agency’s board is likely to ask about that during the first meeting of 2025, held during the last week of January.
Conclusion
The MTA’s congestion pricing program has undoubtedly had an impact on traffic in Manhattan, with fewer vehicles entering the congestion zone and a significant decrease in traffic-related casualties. While some drivers continue to feel burdened by the toll, the program’s safety benefits are undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the MTA’s congestion pricing program?
- The nation’s first congestion pricing toll, which charges a fee to enter certain areas of Manhattan.
- How many vehicles have been avoiding the congestion zone?
- Thousands of vehicles have been avoiding the congestion zone by staying on exempt roads.
- What is the current toll price?
- The current toll price is $9 per day during peak hours.
- What are the safety benefits of the program?
- There have been 37 injuries from 90 crashes in the congestion pricing zone, a 51% drop compared to the same time in 2024.
