Congestion Pricing in NYC Deemed a “Huge Success” by Gov. Hochul and MTA: Fewer Cars, Higher Transit Use, and $500M in Projected Revenue

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NEW YORK, NY — New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) are calling the city’s congestion pricing program a resounding success, just six months after its launch. Officials announced Saturday that the initiative has reduced traffic in Lower Manhattan by 67,000 vehicles per day and is projected to generate $500 million in revenue by 2025—funds that will fuel $15 billion in public transit upgrades.

🚦 Congestion Pricing Results: Traffic Down, Transit Use Up

Launched on January 5, the program charges a $9 toll during peak hours for most passenger vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone below 60th Street. Since implementation, the city has seen:

• 10 million fewer vehicle entries

• 65% reduction in rush hour delays at the Holland Tunnel

• 7 minutes saved per commuting hour

• Fewer traffic accidents: 87 fatalities in the first half of 2025 vs. 128 in the same period of 2024

At the same time, mass transit ridership has seen a notable increase:

• 🚇 Subway: +7%

• 🚌 Bus: +12%

• 🚆 LIRR: +8%

• 🚄 Metro-North: +6%

• 🚐 Access-A-Ride: +21%

Gov. Hochul emphasized the initiative’s benefits, stating, “Six months in, it’s clear: congestion pricing has been a huge success, making life in New York better.”

💰 $500 Million in Revenue to Fund Transit Projects

The MTA confirmed that the projected revenue from congestion pricing is on track to support $15 billion in improvements across the region’s transportation systems. Planned upgrades include:

• Modernization of subway infrastructure

• Expanded and more efficient bus routes

• Enhancements to Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad

⚖️ Legal Battle Continues with Federal Government

Despite the program’s popularity, it has faced ongoing legal challenges from the Trump administration. In February, the MTA filed a lawsuit after President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attempted to revoke federal approval of the plan.

In May, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction, temporarily blocking the administration’s efforts to shut down the program. Hochul responded, “We’ve fended off five months of unlawful attempts to unwind this successful program and will keep fighting – and winning – in the courts. The cameras are staying on.”

🚉 Looking Ahead: A Greener, Less Congested NYC

With traffic congestion decreasing, public transit use climbing, and a legal victory in hand, the congestion pricing program signals a new era for New York City transportation—one focused on sustainability, accessibility, and long-term infrastructure growth.

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