The data is in, and it confirms what congestion pricing supporters hoped for but few expected: the benefits are being felt well beyond Manhattan’s Central Business District (CBD). Three new studies released last week—conducted by Stanford University, former NYC Traffic Commissioner Sam Schwartz, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in partnership with the NYS and NYC Departments of Transportation—show that traffic speeds are up, commute times are down, and gridlock is easing in the outer boroughs and surrounding region, not just inside the congestion pricing zone.
The combined evidence from these three independent studies directly contradict the claims of congestion pricing opponents, who warned of traffic spillover and worsening conditions in areas like the Bronx and Staten Island. Instead, the evidence shows the opposite.
Key findings from the three studies include:
Stanford University: Traffic is Moving Faster Outside the CBD
A study led by Stanford economist Shoshana Vasserman, using Google Traffic data, reveals that congestion pricing had significant spillover benefits throughout the region:
- New Jersey and Long Island drivers are experiencing faster travel times to and from Manhattan.
- Even in the Bronx, which opponents claimed would see more congestion, travel times to the CBD are 4.5% faster
- Highways and arterials leading into the CBD saw speeds increase by up to 16%, with the greatest improvements on major entry points like the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels.
- CO2 emissions from cars in the CBD declined by 2-3%, a meaningful step toward reducing transportation-related pollution.
“The implementation of congestion pricing in New York City has produced significant short-run effects on traffic conditions, travel times, and estimated emission rates across the metropolitan area,” the study concludes.
Read the full study here.
Sam Schwartz Study: No Evidence of Truck Diversion to the Bronx
One of the primary concerns raised by both congestion pricing opponents and supporters, including NYLCV, was the potential for truck diversion through the Bronx and Staten Island and worsening air quality and congestion in those areas. However, an independent analysis by former NYC Traffic Commissioner Sam Schwartz and Hunter College students found that this has not materialized.
- No significant increase in truck volumes through the Bronx or Staten Island.
- Truck volumes on the RFK Bridge saw a 4% decrease during weekdays and the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge and Throgs Neck Bridge were down 1%.
- On Staten Island, truck traffic on the Verrazano Bridge increased by just 2%, while weekend volumes decreased by 5%.
- Citywide, truck volumes remained virtually flat, confirming that trucks are not avoiding the CBD by rerouting through surrounding boroughs.
“So far, there’s no evidence that the forecasts that the MTA had for hundreds or even thousands of trucks diverting through the Bronx [have] happened,” said Schwartz.
Read the full study here.
MTA, NYS DOT, and NYC DOT: Faster Speeds and Better Transit in the Bronx
Data from the MTA and state and city transportation departments reveals that congestion pricing has eased gridlock and improved speeds in the Bronx.
- Traffic speeds have increased on major corridors, including the Cross Bronx Expressway and the Bruckner Expressway, despite previous fears of spillover congestion.
- Traffic volume for vehicles overall decreased on the Cross Bronx Expressway and Maj. Deegan Expressway, and truck traffic specifically has decreased on the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge.
- On the RFK Bridge, northbound speeds have increased, while southbound speeds have only slightly decreased.
Read the full study here.