The early return on the pricing of NYC congestion is quite impressive

Just over four months have passed since the rules for the pricing of congestion in New York, which charge vehicles to enter certain parts of the city, entered. Thehe The purpose of the pricing systemAccording to the Sofia transport organ, it was to produce “cleaner air, more festive streets and better transit”. So, how exactly does this go?

Well, According to data collected by The New York TimesWalk pretty well! The $ 9 fee, charged to enter Manhattan between 5am to 9pm, changed the traffic models and behavior of Tri-State Area Powers and seems to be working for almost everyone. The result: total traffic decreases, the remaining traffic moves faster and the use of public transport has grown – but the attitudes have not yet caught up.

That it all starts with the reduction of traffic, which has a lot, According to New York TimesEven under the expectations of the city. The publication reported a 12% decrease in total vehicles per day in the congestion zone, equivalent to 2.3 million less cars in April alone. With less cars on the road, those who stay move faster. The data available shows This traffic rate increased by 15% during the first two months of the pricing scheme and up to 20% during peak travel hours, which is the first time Gridlock dropped and movement increased in era after the pandemic.

It is not only for cars to move faster. MTA buses are also reported to see speeds, which also means less delays, and buses operate on time. And this is also an increased passenger, as buses monitor 13% in daily riding, as congestion prices have come into force. Similarly, an 8% increase in riders is observed in the metro of the city. Long Island’s railway, Staton Island Railway and Metro-Native Travel lines also carry more people. Even taxi rides are ready, during the timesdespite Concerns from Cab Companies That prices can harm their already flag riding. Citi Bike, the city’s motorcycle sharing program, also sees more people sitting and rotating, moving to 9% during the year.

The side effects of these changes in behavior that have seen more people leave their cars at home while choosing public transport or other alternatives are largely positive. Vehicle -related accidents decreased by 14% in the first half of the year, traffic disorders decreased by nearly 4%, and noise complaints dropped by a huge 45% in the congestion area. Emergency response time has increased, as is the number of tourists who visit the area and the number of reservations in the restaurant.

And so, it’s all no Work? Health benefits are not yet clear –Air pollution decreasesbut Times writes it’s too early to say Something final there. But the biggest problem seems to be public opinion. In December, only 32% of New York voters supported the program. This has increased since pricing entered, but supporters still cannot break through the majority – 42% of urban people want the program to stay, for April poll by MaristS