One week of Congestion Relief Zone in NYC

It has officially been over a week of Congestion Relief Zone pricing in NYC and so far is it has already begun to change the city for good. I cannot believe how quiet the city is now that there are fewer cars clogging the roadways. It’s quite remarkable. There doesn’t seem to be any less people out and about either and yes, the Subways are a bit more crowded, but nothing so out of the ordinary that I think I’d take notice otherwise.

There’s still a lot of hot takes on Congestion Relief pricing from major news media (especially local news channels who love to interview motorists about how mad they are), and no doubt my take could be considered a hot take as well, but I really do think this will be an overall net positive for all New Yorkers.

Times Square on January 13, 2025

At the height of Monday afternoon on January 13th, Times Square wasn’t even backed up with vehicle traffic as it normally would be in the afternoon. I’d be surprised if they don’t close Times Square completely to car traffic in the future given the drastic change a $9 toll has done to this area.

Seventh Avenue heading south around this same time in the afternoon was also congestion-free. One thing I’ve noticed is that most of the cars traveling are TLC-plates or taxis which does makes sense in a city like NYC. Private cars are unnecessary and should be treated as luxuries one can afford in 99% of cases.

7th Ave looking south, January 13, 2025

Even 8th Avenue near Penn Station/Moynihan Station had smooth-flowing traffic. It really is so jarring after years of bumper-to-bumper traffic here.

I’ll report back on week two next week!