Story perspectives

Congestion Pricing Toll Shows No Air-Quality Gains After Year

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The New York City health department reported that the $9 congestion-pricing toll, in effect since January 2025, produced no significant air-quality improvement after its first year.
The report noted an 11% traffic drop and that vehicles cause only 10% of Manhattan’s pollution.
President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy oppose the toll, while a federal judge ruled in March that the administration’s attempt to withdraw approval was unlawful.

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Story summary

The New York City health department reported that the $9 congestion-pricing toll, in effect since January 2025, produced no significant air-quality improvement after its first year.
The report noted an 11% traffic drop and that vehicles cause only 10% of Manhattan’s pollution.
President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy oppose the toll, while a federal judge ruled in March that the administration’s attempt to withdraw approval was unlawful.