Fewer automobiles in Manhattan, fewer crashes – NBC New York

The nation’s first congestion pricing toll closed out its third week in Manhattan on Friday.

Has it been profitable? Is dependent upon who will get requested.

Some drivers have mentioned they’ve felt a substantial affect on their commutes, with much less visitors to cope with. However others have mentioned issues are about the identical.

The MTA launched new numbers on Friday displaying that regardless of some perceptions, the controversial tolling program has made a big effect on the variety of automobiles in Manhattan.

1000’s of automobiles have been avoiding the congestion zone by staying on the exempt roads, the West Aspect Freeway and the FDR Drive. Throughout someday in the course of the plan’s second week in impact, the MTA mentioned 526,844 automobiles traveled beneath 61st Road — however solely 464,796 entered into the congestion zone.

“Everyone’s lived expertise is identical: Site visitors in midtown is dramatically down,” mentioned MTA Chairman Janno Lieber.

Nonetheless, some stay agency of their opposition.

“There’s lots much less visitors within the congestion zone, however outdoors there’s a ton of visitors,” mentioned Joanne Ariola, a Republican Metropolis Councilwoman from Queens.

Many drivers — notably these from New Jersey — proceed to really feel burdened by the $9 every day peak value. However security advocates level to a different advantage of the nation’s first congestion toll: fewer traffic-related casualties.

Up to now in 2025, there have been 37 accidents from 90 crashes within the congestion pricing zone. That is a 51% drop in comparison with the identical time in 2024, when there have been 76 accidents from 199 crashes.

It has but to be revealed simply how a lot cash the MTA has raked in in the course of the first three weeks of congestion pricing. The transit company’s board is more likely to ask about that in the course of the first assembly of 2025, held over the last week of January.