Early Data How Congestion Pricing is Affecting Traffic

By Y.M. Lowy

Since New York City launched its congestion pricing program on January 5, traffic patterns have been closely watched. The online Congestion Pricing Tracker, using Google Maps data, is giving us a first look at how the toll program is impacting traffic across the city.

So, what’s the verdict so far? It seems that whether congestion pricing has been effective depends a lot on the route you’re taking. For example, drivers heading through the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel are finding heavier traffic than usual. But those who took Queensboro Bridge had a much quicker and smoother ride.

The tracker, run by college students, compares traffic this week to data from previous months. Overall, there’s been a slight improvement in traffic flow through many tunnels and bridges. New Jersey crossings are doing well, but commuters from Staten Island and Brooklyn are feeling the heat, especially in the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel.

On the first day of congestion pricing, traffic was lighter on the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels, which lead into the Congestion Relief Zone below 60th Street. But roads not affected by the tolls, like the FDR Drive, saw a small increase in traffic. Monday’s traffic was similar to Sunday’s, but it’s hard to say whether it was the snowy weather or the new tolls that kept drivers off the road.

Tuesday, the first clear-weather workday, showed mixed results. While traffic was heavy, the FDR Drive saw major delays, with evening rush-hour traffic taking twice as long. The FDR and West Side Highway are toll-free, but drivers who exit south of 60th Street do get charged. This caused more cars to spill into the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, which also faced much longer waiting times.

Overall, congestion pricing is having some positive effects on certain routes, but others, especially in Brooklyn and Staten Island, are still struggling with delays. It looks like it’ll take a little longer to see how things settle into a new routine.