Air quality reports from NYC Environmental Protection Agency

NYC Implements $9 Congestion Pricing to Cut Traffic by 80,000 Vehicles Daily

Jan 5, 2025, 07:35 PM

New York City has implemented congestion pricing, charging drivers a $9 fee to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street starting January 5, 2025, aiming to reduce traffic and pollution by decreasing the number of vehicles entering the area by 80,000 daily. Supporters highlight that drivers lost an average of 101 hours in traffic last year, with speeds dropping below 7 miles per hour, and believe the program will lead to cleaner air and safer streets. Initial reports indicate traffic times have already decreased, with travel times through major tunnels reduced by half. Critics argue the fee disproportionately affects lower-income drivers and forces commuters into an unsafe subway system. Some residents are concerned the $9 fee may be insufficient to significantly reduce congestion. The program's rollout included the unveiling of congestion pricing signs and activation of cameras at midnight to monitor vehicle entries.