NYC traffic increases as congestion pricing brings in $61 million in May — the highest monthly revenue in 2025 – amNewYork

Report on the Impact of Congestion Pricing in Manhattan and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has reported a significant milestone in its congestion pricing program, which aims to reduce traffic congestion in Manhattan and generate revenue for transit improvements. This report highlights the program’s financial performance, traffic impact, and its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Financial Performance of Congestion Pricing

1. In May 2025, the congestion pricing program generated $61 million in revenue, marking the highest monthly revenue collected to date for the year.
2. This represents an increase from April 2025, which saw $56.7 million in revenue.
3. Expenses for the program in May totaled $10.9 million.
4. Total net revenue for 2025 so far amounts to $219 million, with projections indicating the program is on track to meet its $500 million revenue goal for transit improvements.

Traffic Impact and Environmental Benefits

• Despite the increase in revenue, traffic volume within the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) has decreased.
• In May 2025, 2,076,163 fewer vehicles entered the CRZ compared to baseline historical averages.
• The average daily vehicle entries dropped from 647,200 to 580,227, indicating a significant reduction in congestion.
• This reduction supports SDG 11 by promoting sustainable urban mobility and SDG 13 by contributing to lower emissions and improved air quality.

Stakeholder Perspectives

• Jai Patel, MTA’s co-chief financial officer, attributed the increased revenue to a longer month and warmer weather, which typically increase traffic but are mitigated by the program.
• Riders Alliance policy director Danny Pearstein emphasized the program’s success in curbing traffic during peak months and generating funds for subway improvements.
• Some residents expressed skepticism regarding the allocation of funds, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in how revenues are used.

Use of Revenue for Transit Improvements

The MTA has committed to utilizing congestion pricing revenue to enhance public transit infrastructure and services, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11. Key projects include:

• Improving accessibility at subway stations.
• Expanding the fleet of battery-electric buses and installing complementary charging infrastructure.
• Conducting structural enhancements such as track upgrades, bridge repairs, and customer communication systems.

Regional Traffic and Environmental Outcomes

A report by the Regional Plan Association (RPA) published on June 18, 2025, indicates broader positive impacts of congestion pricing beyond Manhattan:

• 25% reduction in traffic jams in Manhattan.
• 10% reduction in the Bronx.
• 14% reduction in parts of New Jersey.

These outcomes contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by reducing air pollution and improving urban livability.

Conclusion

The MTA’s congestion pricing program demonstrates significant progress in reducing traffic congestion and generating revenue for sustainable transit improvements. These efforts support multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including sustainable urban development, climate action, and infrastructure enhancement. Continued monitoring, transparency, and community engagement will be essential to maximize the program’s benefits and public trust.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses congestion pricing in Manhattan aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving public transit infrastructure, which aligns with making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Investment in transit improvement projects such as better accessibility, battery-electric buses, and infrastructure upgrades supports resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reducing traffic congestion and promoting electric buses contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Reducing traffic congestion and improving public transit can lead to better air quality and reduced pollution, positively impacting public health.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Traffic Volume Reduction
   • Indicator: Number of vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) daily and monthly (e.g., average daily vehicle entries dropped from 647,200 to 580,227 in May 2025).
   • Indicator: Total reduction in vehicle entries (e.g., 2,076,163 fewer vehicles entered the CRZ in May).
2. Revenue Generated from Congestion Pricing
   • Indicator: Monthly and total net revenue collected (e.g., $61 million in May, $219 million total in 2025 so far).
   • Indicator: Progress towards revenue goals for transit improvements (e.g., on track to generate $500 million in 2025).
3. Traffic Congestion Levels
   • Indicator: Percentage reduction in traffic jams in Manhattan (25%), Bronx (10%), and parts of New Jersey (14%).
4. Public Transit Improvements
   • Indicator: Implementation of projects such as improved subway accessibility, battery-electric buses, infrastructure upgrades (implied but not quantified in the article).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: amny.com