MTA’s ‘evidence’ of congestion pricing success is unconvincing

The MTA is promoting its initial week’s data as evidence that congestion pricing is “successful” — however, the figures are largely unsubstantiated and irrelevant to the actual goal of the tolls, which seems primarily to extract money from the public.

While it’s true the agency needs funding, Albany chose not to seek funds elsewhere, despite the nearly $240 billion it expends each year, and instead selected the toll approach — along with the charade that it’s somehow beneficial for the public.

Those employed by the state-run MTA are bound to uphold that illusion.

Thus, the agency “proudly” reported that the average number of vehicles entering the central business district on weekdays was 7.5% lower than the projected averages from before the tolls were implemented.

However, it’s important to note that the first week was far from typical: The region was impacted by a polar vortex, with snowfall and temperatures plummeting to the teens, marking one of the coldest Januaries in recent memory.

According to the MTA, more individuals opted for buses, and it’s plausible that some couldn’t bear the new $9 toll.

However, it’s equally possible that the severe cold, rather than the tolls, was the primary cause for the absence of many drivers from the roads.

Ultimately, the long-term effect might not be less congestion but rather redistributed discomfort: The MTA’s own assessments indicate that areas outside the toll zone could endure more difficulties as a result of the tolls.

The true measure of “success” should be: Did the toll revenue align with expectations?

Not surprisingly, the MTA is not publicizing those figures, as doing so would imply that the initiative is merely a revenue scheme.

From the moment former Governor Andrew Cuomo managed to get the Legislature to approve the plan, through his successor Kathy Hochul’s unwavering support (despite her pre-election “pause”), it’s been about balancing the MTA’s finances by imposing new costs on the general public.

Cuomo, Hochul, and the Legislature seem uninterested in (or lack the courage to confront) the MTA’s exorbitant expenses, such as overtime misuse and excessive salaries, or in seriously addressing fare evasion.

Addressing these challenges would necessitate genuine leadership in facing down special interests or tackling crime-enabling ideologies.

It’s far simpler to compel commuters to support the agency financially with a new toll — and then claim it’s for their benefit.

Moreover, a reduction in vehicles entering the toll zone also implies fewer people spending money below 60th Street: While the MTA benefits, lower Manhattan businesses could suffer.

If congestion pricing is “effective,” it’s only benefitting the MTA’s backers in Albany.

Everyone else is bearing the brunt.