New York traffic falls after the introduction of a $9 congestion charge

Traffic in New York City has fallen since a congestion charging scheme for vehicles went into effect on January 5, transport officials say.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reported that 273,000 fewer cars entered the central business district from Monday to Friday, with traffic down 7.5% compared to estimates for the days of the week of January without the scheme in place.

The congestion charge – the first of its kind in the US – charges car drivers up to $9 (£7) a day, with varying rates for other vehicles.

The congestion zone covers an area south of Central Park, taking in such famous sites as the Empire State Building, Times Square and the financial district around Wall Street.

“Early data supports what New Yorkers have been telling us all week — traffic is down, streets feel safer, and buses are moving faster,” said Janno Lieber, who heads the MTA.

Motorists are also saving time, while local and express buses move faster, especially in the morning, the MTA published X.

The scheme aims to ease New York’s notorious traffic problems and raise billions for the public transport network.

Most drivers are charged $9 once per day to enter the congestion zone at rush hour, and $2.25 at other times.

Small trucks and non-commuter buses charge $14.40 to enter Manhattan during rush hour, while larger trucks and tour buses charge a fee of $21.60.

While the charge was welcomed by many, it met with much opposition.

The most high-profile opposition has come from President-elect Donald Trump, a native New Yorker who has vowed to kill the scheme when he returns to office this month.

Last year, New York City was named the world’s most congested urban area for the second consecutive year, according to INRIX, a traffic data analysis company.