New York City is the largest city in the United States, greater than the next largest (Los Angeles) by roughly 5 million people, it is also the 13th largest city in the world. The New York Metropolitan area or the Tri-State area (NJ, NY, CT) contain 7% of the U.S population and contribute 12% to the national GDP (gross domestic product).

The region is home to millions of people and jobs, cultural and historic resources, environmental treasures, international ports, and so much more, all thriving off of the city’s 24 hour + 7 day a week subway system.

However, that system, including the actual mechanics and infrastructure (cables, switches, train cars, etc.), stations and platforms, and access points are all in need of improvement and modernization. In January 2025, the City of New York launched its congestion tolling or congestion pricing system to disincentivize driving in one of the world's most gridlocked areas - Midtown Manhattan and to finance the much needed capital repairs along the city's transit system. 

Join the host of the Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast in conversation with Tiffany-Ann Taylor, Vice President of Transportation for the Regional Plan Association, the region's oldest and premier urban planning research and advocacy organization dating back to 1922, as we discuss the impact of congestion pricing and the opportunities/challenges facing the New York Tri-State area for the years to come. 

Share theses insights from the episode: 

1. Congestion pricing revenue is forecasted to generate $1B annually and is designated for MTA capital improvements. 
2. New York City is the first city in the United States to implement a congestion pricing network, inspiring many North American cities including Toronto, Canada and Los Angeles, California to consider congestion tolling of their own. 
3. The New York City metropolitan area struggles with the compounding challenge of an old system, with many parts of the system 100+ years old, and the impacts of climate change that cause freezing, flooding, and overheating of various parts of the transit system. 

Note: This episode was recorded in November 2024 prior to the tolling starting in January 2025 and prior to President Trump proposed changes to the program. Read the Regional Plan Association Press Release here: RPA Statement on Trump Administration Plan to Revoke Congestion Pricing  

Links:

Contact RPA  

RPA.org / @regionplan on X / @regional_plan on Instagram 

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