New York traffic falls after $9 congestion fee introduced

Traffic in New York City has dropped since the traffic control system went into effect on January 5, transit officials said.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said that 273,000 fewer vehicles entered the central government from Monday to Friday, with traffic down 7.5% compared to the estimate for the weekdays in January without the system.

Disruption fees – the first of their kind in the US – pay drivers up to $9 (£7) a day, with different rates for other vehicles.

The sprawling area looks south of Central Park, taking in famous landmarks like the Empire State Building, Times Square and the financial district around Wall Street.

“The start confirms what New Yorkers have been telling us all week – traffic is down, streets are safe, and buses are running faster,” said Janno Lieber, who heads the MTA.

Motorists are also saving time, with local and express buses running faster, especially in the morning, the MTA wrote on X.

The plan seeks to end New York’s notorious traffic congestion and raise billions for public transit.

Most drivers are charged $9 a day to enter a congested zone in most cases, and $2.25 in other cases.

Small cars and non-passenger buses pay $14.40 to enter Manhattan at peak times, while large cars and tourist buses pay $21.60.

Although the case has been widely accepted, it has been widely criticized.

The strongest opposition came from President-elect Donald Trump, a native New Yorker who has vowed to kill the attack when he returns to office this month.

Last year, New York City was named the most populous city in the world for the second year in a row, according to INRIX, a data analysis firm.