The Star-Ledger said on Friday that Port Authority staff had recently reported positive effects from congestion pricing on Hudson crossings to the PA board. Although the Ledger did not report detailed data, it noted that at one point last year, 18% more cars were traveling in the early 5am-6am time period than prior to the implementation of the variable bridge and tunnel toll schedule in March, 2001, and that the program has reduced congestion during the 6-10am period. The pricing scheme — which charges cash payers more than E-ZPass holders at all times of day — has also increased EZ Pass users by about 8%. NYC-bound traffic is off somewhat during the current economic slump, but PA officials stress that the pricing scheme will be essential to manage congestion as traffic grows in the future.

London also reports strong success with its anti-congestion program. According to a recent government press release, reviewing six months of central area cordon pricing, congestion has been cut by 30% within the tolled central zone, and the number of cars entering the zone during peak hours has dropped 16%. 

MTR back issues:

Go to index of all Mobilizing the Region back issues