New York’s Landmark Congestion Pricing Program Receives Final Federal Approval

(New York) The Federal Highway Administration has granted the Metropolitan Transit Authority final approval for New York’s long awaited congestion pricing program. This approval affirms congestion pricing has undergone a rigorous environmental review process, which showed significant positive environmental benefits—  as well as a robust plan to mitigate unintended localized adverse effects. While other cities around the world have successfully implemented similar programs, New York will be the first city in the United States to use congestion pricing to tackle traffic congestion and fund transit improvements. 

“This is a historic day for the environment and the public transportation system that millions of people rely on every day. After years of public review, it’s finally time to build the system that will deliver billions of dollars for better subways, trains and buses across the city and the region.  Congestion pricing is essential to the economic and environmental future of the city — it will improve public transportation, reduce air pollution, cut traffic and create safer and more accessible streets for emergency vehicles and delivery drivers. We are thankful for Gov. Hochul’s leadership and the unwavering dedication of our transit and environmental coalition partners in reaching this milestone.” 

• Mary Barber, State Director, New York and New Jersey, Environmental Defense Fund  

The MTA has 310 days to build the infrastructure needed to turn congestion pricing on. The Transit Mobility Review Board will now begin to determine the specifics of the program. Congestion pricing is mandated to raise $1 billion per year, all of which will go towards funding widespread improvements to regional public transportation, via the MTA Capital Plan.