Lessons Learned from New York's Congestion Pricing Rollout

A year after the program's debut, experts highlight ways New York and New Jersey can maximize its impact.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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More than a year after congestion pricing arrived in New York City, advocates and lawmakers continue to celebrate the program's success. However, the article suggests several adjustments that could have made the program more effective, including a higher rideshare surcharge, clearer toll-funded transit benefits on day one, and revenue sharing with New Jersey's transit agencies.

Why it matters

Congestion pricing is a complex policy that requires careful planning and coordination between state and local governments. This article provides insights on how New York can build on the initial success of the program to further reduce vehicle miles traveled, improve air quality, and invest in public transit across the region.

The details

The article suggests several ways New York and New Jersey could have improved the congestion pricing program, including: 1) Imposing a higher surcharge on rideshare trips, 2) Ensuring clear toll-funded transit benefits were in place on day one, and 3) Designating a portion of toll revenue for PATH and NJ Transit projects to encourage cooperation from New Jersey. The article also notes opportunities for Mayor Mamdani to build on the program's success, such as accelerating the city's Streets Plan and expanding Bus Rapid Transit.

  • Congestion pricing arrived in New York City over a year ago.
  • In 2019, New York began collecting a small surcharge on all rideshare trips that entered Manhattan south of 96th Street.

The players

Gov. Hochul

The governor who delayed and lowered the congestion pricing toll.

Former Gov. Phil Murphy

The former New Jersey governor who was an adversary of the congestion pricing program.

Mayor Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who has pledged to execute the city's Streets Plan and expand Bus Rapid Transit.

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What they’re saying

“It may take years, and a lot of political capital, to perfect the congestion pricing program. But the toll as it exists, and its Byzantine journey through Albany and Washington, provides valuable lessons for transportation policy and advocacy.”

— Austin Celestin, Author (streetsblog.org)

What’s next

The MTA has little leeway to deviate from its 2025-2029 capital plan, but this creates an opportunity for Mayor Mamdani to build on the success of congestion pricing by accelerating the city's Streets Plan and expanding Bus Rapid Transit.

The takeaway

Congestion pricing was an important first step, but there are still opportunities to maximize its impact through adjustments like higher rideshare surcharges, clearer toll-funded transit benefits, and revenue sharing with New Jersey's transit agencies. Careful planning and coordination between state and local governments will be key to perfecting the program and realizing its full potential.