"New York's congestion pricing has led to 1 million total fewer vehicles entering the busiest part of Manhattan and cut commuting times since the program began on Jan. 5, a transit agency said on Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said inbound trips times on all Hudson and East River crossings are now 10% to 30% faster or more, while bus service has also improved. Subway ridership has grown by 7.3% on weekdays and 12% on weekends over January 2024.
Under the program, passenger vehicles are charged $9 during peak periods in Manhattan south of 60th Street. Trucks and buses pay up to $21.60. The fee, which is reduced by 75% at night, is designed to reduce traffic and raise billions to upgrade New York's subway and bus systems.
The MTA says an average of 490,000 vehicles have entered the toll zone each weekday, with another 63,000 vehicles staying on the excluded roadways around the zone and avoiding the toll."