Traffic falls in New York City after $9 congestion fee introduced

(Reuters) – New York City transit officials said on Monday that traffic fell by 7.5% last week and 273,000 fewer cars entered Manhattan’s central business district after the United States’ first congestion pricing fee took effect on Jan. 5.

“The early data backs up what New Yorkers have been telling us all week – traffic is down, the streets feel safer, and buses are moving faster,” said Janno Lieber, who heads the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

New York imposed a $9 charge at peak periods on passenger vehicles in Manhattan south of 60th Street.