Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Tuesday’s Headlines: Congestion Pricing is Working (Again!) Edition

The real "shithole" was New York City's streets ... until congestion pricing showed up. Plus other news.

U.S. DOT Secretary Sean “Two-Stop” Duffy needs to face facts.

You want to know what the real "shithole" is, Secretary Sean Duffy? It was Manhattan roads, circa last year.

As the chart below shows, thanks to congestion pricing, roadways in the congestion relief zone — the area of Manhattan where Duffy wants to roll back the supposedly "elitist" $9 toll — are safer by double-digit percentages, year over year:

But to Duffy, the toll is "elitist" — as if it's "elitist" to make roadways safer for the most vulnerable. Perhaps Duffy should speak to the 50 motorists, 22 pedestrians and 29 cyclists who might have been injured had Gov. Hochul not finally flipped the switch on the toll on Jan. 5.

We've already documented how congestion pricing is boosting the local economy, reducing productivity-destroying traffic, speeding commutes, and clearing the air. But it's nice to see it's working as planned on the ground.

In other news:

  • In a related story, some outlets (looking at you, NY Post, NY Times and CBS2) overhyped the latest MTA-U.S. DOT court documents as some sort of legal deal to save congestion pricing. As we reported, it ain't that (Gothamist also did not overplay the story). But the tolls will, obviously remain in place as this court battle plays out — which is kind of normal.
  • President Trump's tariffs are going to raise costs for the MTA. (Gothamist)
  • The Queens bus network redesign is coming. (NYDN, amNY)
  • We wrote about it previously, but building owners can now apply with the Department of Transportation to install battery chargers on the sidewalk. (NYDN, amNY)
  • The new flood map is here and it's bad. (NY Times)
  • Finally, a public service announcement. Join our friends at Open Plans on Wednesday in Midtown for a thought-provoking book chat featuring Evan Shieh, author of "Autonomous Urbanism: Towards a New Transitopia." This isn't some cheerleading session for self-driving cars, but a deep dive into how the car industry is, once again, coming for your public space. The fun starts at 6 p.m. at Cookfox Studio at 250 W. 58th St. For info, click here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

A Crucial Course Correction Shows the MTA is Thinking Big For the IBX

Gov. Hochul and the MTA’s decision to route the new transit line under a cemetery should mean faster, better service.

August 11, 2025

The MTA Will Untangle a Notorious Subway Snarl in Brooklyn, But First It Must Decide How

"We want to make sure we have the most cost-effective scope for the Sixth and 63rd project," said one MTA official.

August 11, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: All Hail Summer Streets Edition

Summer Streets is bigger than before — but not big enough. Plus more news.

August 11, 2025

DOT Stands By Astoria Safety Project Despite Foes’ Anti-Bike Lawsuit

Businesses are suing — and doubling down on anti-safety misinformation — about a simple and important traffic calming and protected bike lane project in Astoria.

August 8, 2025

Mamdani Promises New Path For Bus Projects As MTA Leader Finally Loses Patience With Mayor Adams

The Democratic nominee says he'll only ask one thing when determining which bus improvements will go forward: will it serve bus riders.

August 8, 2025
See all posts