Former President Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants to put an end to New York City’s congestion pricing initiative. However, early results indicate that the policy is already making a positive impact.
Traffic congestion has eased, pedestrian activity in lower Manhattan has increased, and experts argue that Trump lacks the legal authority to dismantle the program. New York lawmakers passed the policy, the federal government approved it, and courts have upheld it.
Despite Trump’s claim that congestion pricing is "really horrible" and harmful to the city, data suggests otherwise. Traffic in lower Manhattan has significantly decreased, improving commute times and enhancing the overall flow of movement in the city.
Since the program launched on January 5, vehicles entering the congestion zone—below 60th Street—have declined by 1.2 million in comparison to the previous year. The toll, set at $9 during peak hours and $2.25 overnight, aims to alleviate traffic, encourage public transit use, and fund infrastructure improvements.
This reduction in vehicles has led to noticeably shorter drive times, with rush hour crossings into lower Manhattan taking up to 30% less time. Major streets, such as 34th Street, have seen commute times cut nearly in half.
Interestingly, despite the decrease in cars, business districts within the zone have experienced a surge in foot traffic. Lower Manhattan saw an increase of approximately 1.5 million visitors in January compared to the previous year. Broadway shows, which some feared would suffer due to congestion pricing, reported a 17% boost in attendance.
According to a recent Morning Consult survey, New Yorkers who regularly drive into the congestion zone have shown growing support for the initiative. The poll revealed that 66% of drivers commuting into lower Manhattan several times per week approve of the program.
“The impact has been immediate and positive,” said Kathryn Wylde, CEO of the Partnership for New York City. She describes congestion pricing as a market-driven system that benefits those who continue to drive into the city.
While many have welcomed the changes, some business owners remain concerned. Salil Mehta, a restaurateur with three Southeast Asian eateries in the congestion zone, worries that the tolls discourage customers from visiting during the week. However, he acknowledged that his personal commute has been cut in half, describing that aspect as a clear advantage.
New York’s congestion pricing model is the first of its kind in the U.S., though similar systems have been in place in major global cities like London and Stockholm for years. After years of debate, New York state approved the policy in 2019, with the expectation that it would generate $15 billion for transit upgrades. The Federal Highway Administration later determined that the plan would not cause significant environmental harm, further clearing the way for its implementation.
Governor Kathy Hochul initially suspended the program before the 2024 election, citing concerns over affordability. However, she later reintroduced it at a lower rate of $9 instead of the originally proposed $15.
Trump, who has recently spoken with Hochul about congestion pricing, has suggested that he could eliminate the policy through the Department of Transportation. However, legal experts argue that he does not have the power to unilaterally block the program.
Michael Gerrand, director of Columbia Law School’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, emphasized that congestion pricing is now legally established. Any attempt to revoke it would likely face significant legal hurdles.
“The administration does not have the authority to stop congestion pricing at this stage,” he said, adding that even withholding federal funding from the MTA would require congressional approval.
As congestion pricing continues to reshape traffic patterns and urban life in New York City, its long-term success remains to be seen. However, for now, the program is proving its effectiveness—despite Trump’s opposition.
