NYC Congestion Pricing Plan Fails to Deliver, Op-Ed Argues

Critic says MTA's claims of reduced traffic, cleaner air, and faster transit don't hold up under scrutiny.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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In an op-ed, Paul H. Tice of the National Center argues that New York's much-touted congestion pricing plan has failed to live up to its promises in its first year of operation. Tice says the MTA has used flawed data and misleading statistics to exaggerate the plan's benefits, while ignoring issues like continued high rates of subway crime and fare evasion.

Why it matters

The success or failure of New York's congestion pricing scheme has major implications for the city's transportation and environmental goals, as well as its budget. If the plan is not delivering the promised results, it could undermine public support and lead to legal challenges from the federal government.

The details

Tice says the MTA's baseline traffic numbers improperly include roads not subject to congestion pricing, making the reduction in vehicles entering the tolled zone appear larger than it really is. He also argues the MTA has overstated decreases in emissions and increases in bus speeds. Meanwhile, the high operating costs and low average toll collected raise questions about the program's efficiency. Tice says the revenue is being used mainly to pay for debt on transit projects, while fare evasion continues to cost the MTA heavily.

  • The congestion pricing toll zone went into effect at the beginning of 2025.
  • The MTA reported data on the plan's first 9 months of operation, from January to September 2025.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who celebrated the one-year anniversary of congestion pricing.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

The agency overseeing the implementation of congestion pricing in New York City.

Paul H. Tice

The author of the op-ed criticizing the congestion pricing plan, affiliated with the National Center.

New York City Comptroller

An independent agency that released a report finding no change in Manhattan bus speeds after congestion pricing.

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What they’re saying

“Fewer cars, cleaner air, increased traffic speeds, higher fiscal revenues and greater use of public transit.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

“Congestion pricing 'has generated over $550 million in net revenue in its first year'”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

What’s next

The Trump administration's legal challenge to the congestion pricing plan is ongoing.

The takeaway

New York's congestion pricing scheme appears to be falling short of its promised benefits, raising questions about the program's effectiveness and the accuracy of the data used to promote it. The plan's future could hinge on the outcome of the federal lawsuit.