New York City has wanted to see less activity coming into Manhattan during business hours when it implemented its congestion pricing plan — and one week later it already it is seeing the results pay off. A report from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which provides local buses, subway, and railroad services in the area, found that from Monday through Friday last week 273,000 fewer vehicles entered Manhattan below 60 Street.

The city's congestive pricing program was instituted first on Sunday, January 5th after facing months of delays due to Governor Kathy Hochul getting pressure from lawsuits and inflation concerns to postpone the plan.

The goal of the program is to significantly reduce traffic by charging higher rates for tolls during peak hours (5 am to 9 pm on weekdays) for those entering Manhattan at 60 Street or lower. The pricing calls for a $9 fee for passenger and small commercial cars. Should they enter, overnight, meanwhile, the cost is only $2.25. For motorcycles, it costs $4.50 during peak hours or $1.05 outside of them. Trucks and buses need to pay between $14.50 - $21.60, while the tolls sit in the range of just $3.60-$5.40 during off-peak hours.