The following remarks were delivered by Kate Slevin, Executive Vice President of RPA, at a press conference to celebrate the first year of congestion pricing on January 5, 2026:
Regional Plan Association is honored to stand with the Governor, the Mayor, Janno Lieber and so many others to celebrate the one year anniversary of congestion pricing.
By every calculation, congestion pricing is a tremendous success. It has reduced traffic, increased transit ridership, and made streets safer, all while allowing the economy to remain strong.
A new analysis released today by RPA and Sam Schwartz Transportation Research Program at Hunter College reinforces the clear benefits of the program. Since last year:
Traffic noise complaints are down by 23% in the zone, compared to 13% outside the zone.
Serious traffic injuries are down by 8.6% in the zone, 5 times the reduction outside the zone.
Congestion pricing has delivered benefits not only in Manhattan, but also throughout the metro area:
Traffic delays are down or unchanged throughout the region, including in the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island and northern NJ.
Ridership on LIRR and Metro North are up and investments are being made in train cars and stations.
And if the MTA region is doing well, it helps the entire state. That’s because upstate residents benefit from the tax revenue generated here that supports statewide government services. More than 80% of personal income tax and 65% of sales tax revenue in New York State are generated in the MTA region.
And congestion pricing benefits don’t stop at the state border. In fact, NJ bus riders coming into the Port Authority Bus Terminal are some of the biggest winners from congestion pricing in terms of time savings.
100% of congestion pricing net revenue is going to the MTA’s capital program. This investment not only improves commutes, it creates jobs…The MTA’s capital program is an economic powerhouse – generating 72,000 jobs across New York State and delivering benefits across the region and country.
Beyond all these benefits, I think the biggest takeaway today is that congestion pricing is no longer daily news, it’s become a normal part of life.
RPA stands committed to ensuring the program remains in effect, continuing to deliver the benefits our region’s residents deserve.
