Manhattan's central business district witnessed a plunge in traffic congestion by up to 7.5% last week as 273,000 fewer cars entered the borough's business district after the congestion pricing fee was introduced by the authorities, New York City transit officials said . The congestion pricing fee, which took effect from January 5, has been designed to reduce traffic and raise billions of dollars for mass transit. The authorities plan to utilise most of the funds generated through the congestion fee in upgrading the city's subway and bus systems. Janno Lieber, head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said “The early data backs up what New Yorkers have been telling us all week – traffic is down, the streets feel safer, and buses are moving faster,” Reuters reported. On inbound river crossings into Manhattan, which is reportedly considered as one of the most congested areas in terms of traffic in the United States, travel time has become 30%-40% faster. Under the congestion pricing, the cars pay a $9 fee during peak periods in Manhattan south of 60th Street while trucks and buses are charged up to $21.60. However, the fee gets reduced by 75% during the night hours. New Jersey had approached court to halt the implementation of the congestion fee being introduced by the Manhattan authorities but failed to convince the judge. Manhattan even rushed to implement the congestion fee ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 20 as the Republican leader has a residence in the city and he opposes the charges being levied and seeks to block it. Private cars are poised to pay only once a day regardless of how many trips they take to the central business district. But taxis have to pay 75 cents per trip and ride-share vehicles reserved by apps like Uber and Lyft pay $1.50 per trip.
