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.
Transit ridership has risen across the CRZ. Subway trips entering the zone increased by 9 percent, while express bus services were up 7.8 percent and local bus services by 8.4 percent. Reduced gridlock has improved reliability for bus routes, benefiting commuters and supporting deliveries within the zone.
The programme has also contributed to safer streets and cleaner air. Traffic crashes within the CRZ fell 7 percent and injuries dropped 8 percent. Preliminary data shows particulate matter in the zone declined by 22 per cent, with greenhouse gas emissions down 6.1 percent.
Revenue from congestion pricing has enabled the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to advance 15 billion USD in capital projects, including new buses, railcars, and upgrades to signals and subway stations. Governor Hochul highlighted that the funds support both state of good repair work and system expansion, with over $6 billion already under construction.
Meanwhile, 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.
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.
