NYC NOW Congestion Pricing One Year Later: Was It as Bad as Everyone Said?
Jan 12, 2026
Stephen Nessen, a WNYC transportation reporter, dives into the first year of New York City's congestion pricing. He discusses how traffic has reduced significantly while transit use has surged, challenging early warnings of disaster. Nessen compares New York's experience to global examples, like Stockholm, and reveals data showing 27 million fewer vehicle entries. He examines the impacts on air quality and addresses concerns of traffic spillover to neighboring areas. The conversation also touches on revenue generated and the potential for other U.S. cities to adopt similar measures.
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Streets Went Quiet Near Varick
- Stephen Nessen described streets near Varick Street going from predictable gridlock to eerily empty after the tolls began.
- He compared the sudden quiet to pandemic-like emptiness during the first months.
Millions Fewer Cars Entered Manhattan
- Data showed roughly 27 million fewer vehicles entered Manhattan last year attributable to congestion pricing.
- The policy follows global examples like Singapore and Stockholm where trials reduced traffic and later gained public support.
Air Quality Improvements Are Promising
- A Cornell study found fine particle pollution dropped about 22% inside the toll zone and slightly outside it.
- Experts caution one year is short to isolate causes, but reductions plus truck timing shifts likely improved air quality.