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Congestion Pricing Improves Traffic in NYC Suburbs
Study finds traffic speeds have increased by 15% in the metro area since congestion pricing took effect in Manhattan.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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A new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research has found that New York City's congestion pricing scheme, which charges vehicles a toll to enter parts of Manhattan, has not only benefited the city center but also improved traffic in the outer boroughs and suburbs. The study used Google Maps data to analyze traffic patterns before and after the implementation of the congestion toll, and found that traffic speeds have increased by about 15% across the metro area, with even bigger gains during normal rush hour. Drivers who avoid the toll zone have also saved a collective 461,000 hours per week in travel time.
Why it matters
The findings counter concerns that congestion pricing would simply displace traffic to areas outside the toll zone. Instead, the study shows that the policy has reduced overall traffic volumes rather than just shifting congestion to other roads. This suggests that congestion pricing can have wide-reaching benefits for drivers throughout a region, not just within the immediate toll area.
The details
The study found that traffic speeds have increased by about 15% since congestion pricing took effect, with cars in the congestion zone saving about three minutes per journey and a collective 83,000 hours per week. Outside of the business district, traffic speeds have increased by about 8%, with neighborhoods closer to the congestion zone seeing even greater improvements. Drivers who avoid the toll zone have saved a collective 461,000 hours per week in travel time. The study also found that car trips on Long Island saw speeds increase by 2.3% and that there was even some improvement on highways throughout the tri-state area.
- Congestion pricing was implemented in New York City in 2025.
The players
National Bureau of Economic Research
A private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that conducts economic research.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States, who has suggested that his administration will kill the congestion zone experiment in New York City.
What’s next
The study's findings may make it more difficult for the Trump administration to justify attempts to eliminate New York City's congestion pricing scheme, as the policy appears to be delivering broad benefits across the region.
The takeaway
Congestion pricing in New York City has not only improved traffic within the toll zone, but has also led to faster travel times in the outer boroughs and suburbs, challenging concerns that the policy would simply displace traffic to other areas. This suggests that congestion pricing can be an effective tool for reducing overall traffic volumes and improving mobility across an entire metropolitan region.
