New York's Congestion Pricing Deemed a Success

MTA reports fewer vehicles, faster traffic, and revenue target met one year after implementation.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA are celebrating the success of the city's congestion pricing program one year after its implementation. The MTA says the program has led to 73,000 fewer vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street each day, a 23% increase in rush hour traffic speeds, and a 7% decrease in traffic collisions within the pricing zone. Financially, the MTA reached its revenue target of $500 million, which it plans to use for capital improvements to the subway, bus, and commuter rail systems.

Why it matters

Congestion pricing was a controversial policy when first proposed, with concerns about its impact on businesses and low-income commuters. The MTA's data shows the program has achieved its goals of reducing traffic and raising funds for transit improvements, validating the policy's effectiveness.

The details

Under the congestion pricing program, drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street are charged a fee, with the revenue going towards funding improvements to the city's public transportation system. The MTA says the program has led to significant reductions in vehicle traffic and collisions, as well as increased travel speeds during rush hour.

  • The congestion pricing program was implemented in February 2025.
  • February 5, 2026 marked the one-year anniversary of the program.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York.

MTA

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees public transit in the New York City region.

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What they’re saying

“Congestion Pricing has been a rousing success one year into the program.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (wabcradio.com)

What’s next

The MTA plans to use the $500 million in revenue generated by the congestion pricing program to fund capital improvements to the city's subway, bus, and commuter rail systems.

The takeaway

New York's congestion pricing program has proven effective at reducing traffic and raising funds for transit, validating the policy as a model for other cities looking to address urban congestion and infrastructure challenges.