New Yorkers Want Congestion Pricing To Continue, New Poll Finds

NEW YORK CITY — A majority of New Yorkers want congestion pricing to stay despite President Trump's desire to kill the program, according to a newly released poll.

Six out of 10 New Yorkers say that Trump should allow congestion pricing to continue in a Morning Consult's poll of 1,200 registered voters.

In addition, three in four voters who regularly commute into the congestion relief zone say that there has been less traffic.

Pollsters found on a 2-to-1 basis (47% agree, 24% disagree), that New Yorkers believe congestion pricing has led to less traffic in the city.

Trump vowed to end congestion pricing once he entered office, and has said it was harmful to the city’s economy.

Last week, a New York Times report disclosed that the Trump administration could move to withdraw a key federal authorization that would halt congestion pricing.

The administration and the Department of Transportation have had discussions on the program. A move to end the program would most likely lead to a lengthy legal battle.

But the poll findings show that New Yorkers are in agreement that congestion pricing has led to faster commutes into and out of Manhattan (39% agree vs. 27% disagree).

Forty-one percent of voters agree that congestion pricing has led to faster commutes inside Manhattan, while 26 percent disagree.

When asked whether President Trump’s decision on congestion pricing would affect their view of the president, half said it would have no impact either way, according to the survey.

Two in 10 voters said they would have a more favorable view, one in six said they would have a less favorable view, and the rest were undecided.

The poll showed higher levels of support among adults who drive into the congestion pricing zone a few times per week or more (66% support vs. 32% oppose)

Fifty-one percent of Drivers who commuted to the area at least a few times per month were supportive of congestion pricing while 46 percent opposed it.

Congestion pricing began on Jan. 5, with drivers now being charged $9 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, Patch previously reported.

The purpose of the plan is to reduce gridlock in Manhattan's busiest areas and encourage public transit use, officials said.

The plan is expected to generate more than $15 billion for public transportation upgrades in New York City, the MTA said.