NYC Congestion Pricing Improved Air Quality, Cut Pollution By 22%: New Study

NEW YORK CITY — In the first six months of congestion pricing in New York City, pollution in parts of Manhattan have decreased by 22 percent, according to a recently published Cornell University study.

The study used data from 42 air-quality monitors throughout the city over 546 days. Researchers study the impact of particulate pollution, particulates from car tailpipes are known to increase the risk of lung cancer and heart attack, among other issues.

Cornell University found that from January through June, average daily PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 3.05 micrograms per cubic meter or a 22 percent drop from a projected average of 13.8 micrograms per cubic meter if congestion pricing had not been adopted, according to the study.

"Here we show that New York City’s congestion pricing policy significantly reduced ambient air pollution across the broader New York metropolitan area, with especially pronounced effects inside the new Congestion Relief Zone," researchers wrote.

Areas beyond Manhattan have also seen the benefits of better air quality, according to the study. Throughout the five boroughs, particulate pollution decreased by 1.07 micrograms per cubic meter. The areas surrounding the New York City saw a reduction of 0.70 micrograms per cubic meter.

"This study provides the first zone-specific, quasi-experimental evidence of air-quality benefits following congestion pricing in the United States. As other American cities consider similar policies, our findings indicate that cordon pricing can yield rapid, spatially broad environmental improvements."

In September, officials touted that nearly 18 million fewer vehicles entered Manhattan since congestion pricing began.

Starting on Jan. 5, drivers now $9 to drive into the congestion zone during peak hours. The zone runs from 60th Street to the lower tip of Manhattan.

The MTA has sued the Trump administration over the future of congestion pricing after the Department of Transportation revoked federal authorization of the toll. A federal judge is expected to issue a ruling by year's end.

You can read the full Cornell University study here.