In early 2025, New York became the first US city to implement congestion pricing, introducing a charge for vehicles entering Manhattan's central business district (CBD) from morning until 9pm daily.

The initiative, which aims to reduce congestion and environmental impacts associated with road traffic, follows successful schemes in cities like London, Stockholm and Singapore, which launched the world’s first congestion pricing scheme in 1975. 

A Yale University-led study published in August 2026 found that New York’s congestion pricing had made journeys in the CBD around 11% faster, with the biggest impact felt during the busiest periods of the day. Benefits were not confined to Manhattan or those paying the charge, as traffic speeds increased on roads across the wider metropolitan area too. 

The study also found that consumer spending and foot traffic appear to have been unaffected by the introduction of the charge. However, it reported little measurable impact on air quality, highlighting that while congestion pricing appears effective at improving mobility, its environmental benefits may take longer to emerge.

As more data becomes available, New York's experience is likely to offer valuable lessons for other cities considering congestion pricing as a tool to improve urban mobility.