Clearer roads, faster trips: The data behind NYC’s congestion pricing success

Formally known as the Central Business District Tolling Program, introduced on January 5, 2025, the congestion toll is the first of its kind in the United States. The scheme requires drivers to pay a fee—based on the time and duration of their visit and their vehicle type—to enter the lower part of Manhattan, from the southern end of Central Park all the way to the city’s financial district.

As the toll came into effect, New Yorkers shared pictures on social media showing clear, empty streets and free flowing traffic. As the slowest-moving city in the U.S., according to the TomTom Traffic Index, these New York streets would have been full of vehicles before the toll.

Let’s take a look at the data to uncover the full impact of congestion pricing on downtown New York—and what we stand to learn from its success.

The power of NYC congestion pricing, by the numbers

TomTom’s latest traffic data paints a striking picture of change. Comparing January through mid-March 2025 to the same period in 2024, congestion in the tolled area of Manhattan dropped from 24.7% to 16.9%. Average travel times per 10 kilometers improved from 33 minutes and 53 seconds to 30 minutes and 48 seconds, while average speeds increased from 17.6 km/h to 19.4 km/h.

Evening peak hours saw some of the most dramatic changes. In early 2024, congestion during the 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. rush hour averaged a staggering 43.2%. In 2025, that number has dropped to 30.3%, shaving off nearly five minutes of the time it takes to travel 10 kilometers during peak congestion.

Beyond just reducing the time drivers spend stuck in traffic, congestion pricing has cut the total distance driven in the tolled area by millions of kilometers. That means fewer emissions, cleaner air, and a more livable city.

A win for drivers and the economy

Some feared congestion pricing would deter people from traveling into lower Manhattan and hurt businesses. Instead, early economic indicators suggest the opposite. In fact, congestion pricing raised about $52 million in toll revenue in February alone—bringing the total for the first two months of operation to $100.6 million, according to documents posted to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Similar pricing schemes in London and Singapore have yielded comparable economic benefits. London’s congestion charge, introduced in 2003, has reduced traffic while boosting the efficiency of public transportation and increasing economic activity in the city center. Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system, implemented in 1998, has kept traffic levels stable while ensuring businesses operate smoothly in one of the most densely populated urban environments in the world.

These cases demonstrate that congestion pricing, when implemented effectively, not only alleviates traffic but also supports economic growth. It shows how integrating congestion pricing with investments in public transit and infrastructure improvements can create long-term, sustainable urban mobility solutions for cities around the world.

Lessons for other U.S. cities

While congestion pricing has been successfully implemented in cities like London and Singapore, New York is the first major U.S. city to embrace it. With demonstrable success, it could serve as a blueprint for cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco, where congestion remains a pressing issue.

Cities looking to implement similar programs can draw several key lessons from New York’s experience. First, using real-time traffic data, like TomTom’s, helps cities monitor congestion patterns and make data-driven decisions to adjust pricing models effectively. Second, pairing congestion pricing with improvements in public transit ensures that residents have viable alternatives to driving, making the transition smoother. Finally, clear communication with the public about the benefits—such as reduced travel times and economic boosts—can build long-term support for the initiative. By considering these factors, cities can design congestion reduction policies that are both effective and publicly supported.

TomTom’s data-driven insights have been instrumental in measuring the impact of congestion pricing, offering real-time analytics to help cities make informed transportation decisions. Our traffic data isn’t just about mapping—it’s about giving policymakers and businesses the tools they need to improve urban mobility.

Beyond congestion pricing, we’ve learned that other tactics can also play a crucial role in alleviating urban traffic. Expanding public transit networks, implementing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, optimizing traffic light timing, and promoting cycling infrastructure have all been proven to reduce congestion in cities worldwide.

There’s no single solution to traffic congestion—rather, a combination of strategies tailored to each city’s needs is necessary to create sustainable, efficient urban mobility.

The road ahead

As other U.S. cities explore solutions for congestion, New York provides a strong example of how data-driven policies can lead to meaningful urban improvements. With continued focus on smart traffic management, a combination of congestion pricing and complementary strategies can help shape more efficient and livable cities across the country.

Traffic congestion is more than an inconvenience—it impacts economic productivity, increases pollution, and reduces quality of life. The success of this initiative underscores the importance of leveraging real-time data and adaptive policies to create dynamic traffic solutions.

As more cities consider congestion pricing, they can look to TomTom’s data-driven insights to make informed decisions that benefit both residents and businesses alike.