Real road relief: Latest congestion pricing research shows fewer traffic jams and delays across NYC metro area

Barbara Russo-Lennon

Originally published in AMNY on .
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Congestion pricing is having a ripple effect across the tri-state area with less traffic on streets in Manhattan and beyond, according to new data from a major tri-state area research group on Wednesday.

Regional Plan Association (RPA) report published on June 18 shows that congestion pricing has reduced traffic delays not only within the Manhattan Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) south of 60th Street — where vehicles are charged a base toll of $9 — but also outside the area. 

State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who represents parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn, is opposed to congestion pricing, and cited the “program’s blatant environmental impact” on Staten Island’s North Shore. “This community already experiences asthma and respiratory illness rates far above the city average, along with disproportionately high emergency room visits tied to those conditions,” she said. “Yet, despite these glaring health disparities, the program continues to operate, knowingly worsening air quality and increasing pollution in our neighborhoods. I will continue to fight against any policy that prioritizes convenience in one part of the city at the cost of my constituents’ health, safety and quality of life.”

Read the full article here.