Report on New York City’s Congestion Pricing Scheme and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Executive Summary
After six months of operation, New York City’s congestion pricing scheme has demonstrated significant positive outcomes, aligning with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The policy, implemented in January 2025, has successfully reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and generated substantial revenue for public transportation infrastructure. This report details the program’s achievements, its direct contributions to SDGs 3, 9, 11, and 13, and the challenges it has faced.
Impact on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The primary objective of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable is being directly addressed by the congestion charge. Key performance indicators show a marked improvement in the urban environment of Manhattan.
- Reduced Congestion: Traffic delays within the charge zone have been reduced by a quarter, with approximately two million fewer cars entering the area per month.
- Improved Traffic Flow: Average vehicle speeds have increased by 15%, improving efficiency for both commercial and public transport.
- Enhanced Public Transport Usage: Subway ridership has increased by 7%, indicating a successful shift from private vehicles to more sustainable transport options.
- Increased Pedestrian Activity: Foot traffic in Manhattan saw an 8% increase in May compared to the previous year, fostering a more vibrant and people-centric urban core.
Contributions to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)
The program has yielded measurable environmental and public health benefits, contributing to climate action and the well-being of residents.
- Climate Action (SDG 13): Carbon pollution has dropped by an estimated 2.5%. The promotion of public and electric transport over private fossil-fuel vehicles represents a significant climate mitigation strategy.
- Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3):
- Air quality has improved due to a reduction in vehicle emissions, including soot and other harmful pollutants.
- Public safety has been enhanced, with a notable decrease in car accidents and related injuries.
- Noise pollution has been drastically curtailed; noise complaints along key arteries like Canal Street have fallen by 70%.
Advancements in SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
A core component of the scheme is the generation of revenue to build resilient infrastructure and foster sustainable industrialization and innovation. The funds are revitalizing New York’s public transit system.
- Revenue Generation: The congestion charge is on track to generate $500 million in its first year.
- Infrastructure Investment: This revenue is allocated to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for critical upgrades.
- Specific Projects Funded:
- Modernization of the antiquated subway signaling system.
- Purchase of several hundred new electric buses, advancing the transition to a green fleet.
- Improvements to the regional rail network.
Challenges and Governance
The implementation of the congestion charge has faced considerable political and legal opposition, highlighting challenges related to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The federal government, under the Trump administration, has actively sought to dismantle the program through legal action and by threatening to withdraw federal funding. Opposition has also come from neighboring states, such as New Jersey, over concerns about fairness and revenue sharing. Despite these hurdles and initial public skepticism, which has since shifted to majority support, the program has survived and demonstrated its efficacy, setting a potential precedent for other cities in the United States.
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The article on New York City’s congestion charge scheme addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by detailing the policy’s impact on urban life, the environment, and public infrastructure. The following SDGs are relevant:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article connects the policy to improved public health outcomes through reduced pollution and increased safety.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The scheme’s revenue is directly linked to upgrading and sustaining public transportation infrastructure.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This is the most central SDG, as the article focuses on a policy designed to make a city more sustainable, accessible, and livable by managing traffic, improving air quality, and funding public transit.
- SDG 13: Climate Action: The article explicitly mentions the reduction of carbon emissions as a direct result of the congestion charge, linking the local policy to broader climate goals.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the details provided in the article, several specific SDG targets can be identified:
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.6: “By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.” The article supports this by stating there are “fewer car accidents, injuries” since the implementation of the congestion charge.
- Target 3.9: “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.” This is addressed through the mention of “air quality is improving” and a drop in “air pollution such as soot that can bury deep in people’s lungs.” The 70% reduction in noise complaints also contributes to a healthier environment.
-
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.” The article highlights that the congestion pricing revenue, on track to reach “$500m this year,” is being used for “upgrades to the subway, the purchase of several hundred new electric buses and improvements to regional rail,” directly contributing to more sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.2: “By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport…” The entire article is about this target. The scheme improves public transport by generating funds for the MTA and encourages its use, as shown by a “7% increase in subway visits.” It also improves road safety with fewer accidents.
- Target 11.6: “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality…” The article directly addresses this by reporting that “Carbon pollution, meanwhile, has dropped by about 2.5%” and that there are “2m fewer cars a month” in the zone, reducing the city’s environmental impact.
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: “Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.” The congestion charge is a clear example of a local policy and strategy designed to mitigate climate change. The article notes that “carbon emissions drop” as a key success of the scheme.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article provides several specific quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:
- Reduction in Traffic Congestion: Traffic delays are “slashed… by a quarter,” and traffic speeds have risen “by 15%.” The number of cars entering the zone is down by “2m fewer cars a month.”
- Improvement in Air Quality: “Carbon pollution… has dropped by about 2.5%.” The article also mentions a reduction in “air pollution such as soot.”
- Improvement in Public Health and Safety: The article notes “fewer car accidents, injuries” and a “70% reduction in noise complaints along Canal Street.”
- Increased Use of Public and Active Transport: “Subway visits have also increased by 7%,” and “pedestrian activity [is] up 8% in May compared with the same month last year.”
- Funding for Sustainable Infrastructure: The scheme is on track to generate “$500m this year” for the MTA, enabling the “purchase of several hundred new electric buses” and subway upgrades.
- Public Support: A reversal in polling shows that “more people now support the charge than oppose it,” indicating social acceptance of the sustainability measure.
4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being |
3.6: Halve deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
3.9: Substantially reduce deaths and illnesses from air pollution. |
– Mention of “fewer car accidents, injuries.” – Reduction in “air pollution such as soot.” – “Noise complaints along Canal Street, have reduced by 70%.” |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. |
– Revenue on track to reach “$500m this year” for MTA. – “Purchase of several hundred new electric buses.” – Funding for “upgrades to the subway” and “improvements to regional rail.” |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, especially regarding air quality. |
– “Subway visits have also increased by 7%.” – “Pedestrian activity up 8%.” – “Traffic speeds rising by 15%.” – “Traffic delays [down] by a quarter.” – “2m fewer cars a month” entering the zone. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning. |
– “Carbon emissions drop.” – “Carbon pollution… has dropped by about 2.5%.” |
Source: theguardian.com
