The numbers don’t lie: Congestion relief is working

We’re closing in on the two-month anniversary of the Congestion Relief Zone, and make no mistake: the program is working. Here are some of the key stats:
2.8 million fewer vehicles have entered the Congestion Relief Zone since the program launched— that’s 60,000 fewer vehicles per day.
Fewer vehicles but more people; in fact, there’s been a 4% increase in pedestrian foot traffic over the same period in 2024.
Travel times across the bridges and tunnels, as well as across Canal Street, 34th Street, and 57th Street, have fallen 20%-30%.
That’s the data-driven piece. Anecdotally, many people throughout the region—drivers, bus riders, residents of the Congestion Relief Zone, you name it—have observed faster travel times, fewer cars, and a more pleasant experience overall within the zone.

In remarks delivered at the MTA Board Meeting this week, Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “We tried gridlock for 50 years. It was bad for our economy, it was bad for our health, and it was bad for New Yorkers’ quality of life. We’re not going back.” Watch his full remarks here.

The toll remains in effect despite legal challenges, and we’ll continue to bring you updates on the program’s progress.

More data updates are coming
We’re committed to providing regular updates on Congestion Relief Zone tolling data as the program continues. You can find datasets on the NYS Open Data portal, as well as the MTA’s metrics portal.
Congestion Relief fee grace period ends March 5
In the first 60 days of the program, drivers have only been charged the applicable Congestion Relief Zone toll without any additional fees, charges, or fines, such as late fees. This grace period ends on March 5, 2025. Congestion Relief Zone tolls with a transaction date of March 6 or later will be subject to all applicable fees if they are not paid 30 days or more after the bill date.

If you have questions about paying your toll or your E-ZPass account, visit our website or call the E-ZPass NY Customer Service Center at 800-333-8655.
Link your license plate to your E-ZPass
Don’t forget: The easiest and cheapest way to pay the Congestion Relief toll is with E-ZPass. If you already have an E-ZPass account, make sure it is up to date with your current license plate number as this will be needed for appropriate discounts, exemptions, and crossing credits. If you do not have an account, you can sign up for one on the E-ZPass website.
Learn more
For general information about congestion pricing and the Congestion Relief Zone, visit congestionreliefzone.mta.info.
If you have questions about E-ZPass or applying for a discount or exemption plan, please call E-ZPass NY Customer Service at 800-333-8655.