The MTA claims success in the first week of congestion pricing, but critics question the accuracy of their data and its impact on traffic.
New York City: The MTA is all about celebrating the first week of its congestion pricing plan in Midtown. But not everyone is buying it. Critics are saying the agency’s numbers are a bit “fuzzy.”
Officials from the MTA say they’ve heard that traffic is flowing better in the congestion zone, commute times are shorter, and more folks are taking buses since the $9 toll started on January 5. But their data doesn’t really back that up.
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola joked that the MTA’s math is more than just fuzzy; it’s “fugazi.” She’s not too confident in their numbers, especially after their past timeline for the Second Avenue subway.
According to the MTA, travel times on bridges have dropped by as much as 40% in the first week, and traffic south of 61st Street is down by 16% compared to last October. They also claim there are 273,000 fewer cars on the road compared to last year.
They even mentioned that the SIM24 bus saved seven minutes crossing the Lincoln Tunnel, and the B39 bus was 3.9 minutes faster over the Williamsburg Bridge. Sounds good, right?
But not everyone agrees. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella thinks the celebration is a bit premature. He believes people will just find ways to avoid the $9 toll.
Susan Lee from New Yorkers Against Congestion Taxes pointed out that January is usually a slow month for traffic. While some areas might be less congested, others are seeing more cars as drivers try to dodge the toll.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman added that the MTA is missing some key facts in their analysis. Mayor Eric Adams wants clearer numbers on the congestion pricing but reminded everyone that it wasn’t his idea.
He said, “We need precise numbers,” and emphasized that the MTA and Albany made this decision, not City Hall. Critics worry this plan will push more people away from Manhattan and hurt the city’s economy.
Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato, who lives nearby, said this congestion pricing plan is nothing to celebrate. He believes it’s bad news for the city.
