New York City’s congestion pricing programme has marked its first anniversary with notable reductions in traffic and improvements in transit services.
Since its launch on 5 January 2025, the scheme has reduced vehicle entries into the Manhattan Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) by 27 million, representing an 11 percent decline. Morning peak speeds across key crossings have risen, with the Holland Tunnel seeing improvements of up to 51 percent, and buses within the CRZ travelling 2.3 percent faster on average.
The programme has also contributed to lower emissions and safer streets. Particulate matter levels in the CRZ fell by 22 percent, while greenhouse gas emissions dropped 6.1 percent. Traffic crashes declined by 7 percent, and injuries fell 8 percent. Pedestrian and cyclist safety improved, with fatalities in the CRZ decreasing from 23 to 20 for cyclists and by 9 percent for pedestrians.
Economic indicators point to continued activity in Manhattan. Office leasing rose 9.2 percent in the third quarter of 2025 compared with the previous year, retail and restaurant activity increased, and sales tax receipts were up 6.3 percent. Foot traffic in the CRZ grew 3.4 percent, while subway trips entering the zone rose 9 percent, with express and local bus services seeing increases of 7.8 and 8.4 percent respectively.
The revenue generated by congestion pricing has exceeded expectations. More than 518 million USD in net tolling revenue has been collected, supporting 15 billion USD in MTA capital projects, including Second Avenue Subway Phase 2, signal upgrades, accessibility improvements at over 23 stations, and new railcars and buses.
Governor Hochul said:The results are in and it is clear that in just one year, congestion pricing has been an unprecedented success in New York. By every measure, this program has met or exceeded expectations: traffic and gridlock are down substantially, people are moving faster, air quality is improved, streets are safer and our economy is stronger. New Yorkers are benefitting from congestion pricing every day, and that’s why we have fought to stop any unlawful federal attempt to end this program. And there are even more benefits to come: $15 billion in transit upgrades with major projects already underway, improving the commutes of millions of New Yorkers.
