How has congestion pricing affected your Long Island commute? We crunched the numbers.
Data from the state Department of Transportation, obtained by News 12, shows that traffic has decreased — but not nearly as dramatically as in Manhattan.
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It’s been one year since the controversial congestion pricing program began, aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan’s busiest areas. Officials are calling the initiative a success — but the impact outside Manhattan is less clear.
State officials report an 11% decrease in traffic within Manhattan’s Central Business District, south of 60th Street.
But how is congestion pricing affecting Long Island and other parts of the tri-state area? Data from the state Department of Transportation, obtained by News 12, shows that traffic has decreased — but not nearly as dramatically as in Manhattan. Analysis of vehicle counts on the Long Island Expressway (LIE) and Northern State Parkway from January to March shows a 3.4% drop in eastbound traffic and a 2.6% decrease westbound.
Some drivers say the difference is barely noticeable.
When asked if traffic changed since congestion pricing started, Kathy Carroll, of Hauppauge, responded. “Stayed the same," she said. "I don’t see it being heavier or lighter because of it.”
Elsewhere, traffic patterns are more varied. The George Washington Bridge — often used to bypass the congestion zone — has seen more than a 1% increase in vehicles. In contrast, the Holland Tunnel experienced a 3.4% decrease, and the Lincoln Tunnel dropped 5.5%.
Gov. Kathy Hochul says the program has increased transit ridership and is expected to fund $15 billion in improvements to the MTA, benefiting Long Island and the wider region.
“They’re trying to generate some kind of money, so if it works, it works,” said Lorraine Marro, of Hauppauge.
News 12 reached out to the governor’s office for comment on the Long Island traffic numbers and is awaiting a response.
