NYC congestion pricing cuts air pollution by 22% in six months – AirQualityNews

Report on the Impact of New York City’s Congestion Pricing Scheme on Air Quality and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In the first six months following the implementation of New York City’s congestion pricing scheme, significant improvements in air quality have been observed. According to research conducted by Cornell University, the initiative has reduced air pollution by 22% within Manhattan’s toll zone and improved air quality across the entire metropolitan region. This report highlights these findings with a focus on their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Study Overview

• Data Source: 42 air quality monitors across the New York metropolitan area
• Study Period: January 2024 to June 2025
• Focus: PM2.5 concentration levels before and after the January 2025 launch of the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ)
• Geographic Scope: Manhattan streets at or below 60th Street and the broader metropolitan area

Key Findings

1. Reduction in Air Pollution within the Congestion Relief Zone
   • Average daily peak PM2.5 concentrations dropped by 3.05 µg/m³ within the CRZ.
   • Background pollution levels in the region typically range between 8-9 µg/m³, indicating a substantial public health benefit.
2. Metropolitan-Wide Air Quality Improvements
   • Pollution levels decreased by 1.07 µg/m³ across New York City’s five boroughs.
   • The broader metropolitan area experienced a reduction of 0.70 µg/m³, disproving concerns about pollution displacement to neighboring communities.
3. Behavioral Adaptation Over Time
   • Pollution reductions increased from 0.8 µg/m³ in the first week to 4.9 µg/m³ by the 20th week within the CRZ.
   • Drivers adapted by switching to public transit, rescheduling trips, or using alternative routes.
4. Traffic Volume Changes
   • Vehicle entries into the toll zone dropped by approximately 11% between January and June 2025.
   • Heavy-duty truck traffic decreased by 18%, while passenger car traffic declined by 9%.
   • Reduction in truck traffic is significant due to their disproportionate contribution to urban air pollution.
5. Comparison with Other Cities
   • New York’s air pollution reduction exceeds that of Stockholm (5-15% over several years) and London (7% citywide decline).
   • Attributed to New York’s extensive transit infrastructure and the high volume of discretionary trips that can be shifted to public transportation.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Reduced PM2.5 levels contribute to lower respiratory and cardiovascular health risks.
  • Improved air quality supports healthier urban populations.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Congestion pricing promotes sustainable urban mobility by encouraging public transit use and reducing traffic congestion.
  • Enhances urban living conditions through cleaner air and reduced noise pollution.
• SDG 13: Climate Action
  • Lower vehicle emissions contribute to mitigating climate change impacts.
  • Supports transition to low-carbon transportation systems.

Future Outlook and Recommendations

• Other American cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles, are considering similar congestion pricing schemes.
• New York’s experience demonstrates that such programs can rapidly deliver environmental benefits while generating revenue for transit improvements.
• Urban planners are encouraged to integrate congestion pricing as part of comprehensive strategies to achieve SDGs related to health, sustainable cities, and climate action.

Expert Commentary

Oliver Gao, Senior Author: “Our overall conclusion is that congestion pricing in New York City, like many other cities in the world that have implemented it, helped not only improve traffic, but also helped reduce air pollutant concentration, improve air quality and should be good for public health.”

Timothy Fraser, Co-Lead Author: “It’s really exciting to me that air quality improved throughout the entire metro area. This tells us that congestion pricing didn’t simply relocate air pollution to the suburbs by rerouting traffic. Instead, folks are likely choosing cleaner transportation options altogether, like riding public transportation or scheduling deliveries at night. This thins traffic and limits how smog compounds when many cars are on the road.”

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses improvements in air quality and public health benefits resulting from reduced air pollution in New York City.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The implementation of congestion pricing aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve urban air quality, contributing to sustainable urban development.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reducing vehicle emissions through congestion pricing contributes to mitigating climate change by lowering air pollutants.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicator for SDG 3.9:
   • Concentration levels of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) across various locations in New York City and the metropolitan area.
   • Reduction percentages in PM2.5 concentrations before and after the implementation of congestion pricing.
2. Indicators for SDG 11.6 and 11.2:
   • Average daily vehicle entries into the congestion toll zone, including breakdowns by vehicle type (heavy-duty trucks, passenger cars).
   • Changes in traffic volume and modal shifts to public transportation as implied by reduced vehicle entries and increased use of subways and buses.
   • Air quality improvement metrics across city boroughs and the metropolitan region.
3. Indicator for SDG 13.2:
   • Implementation and impact assessment of congestion pricing as a climate action policy to reduce emissions.
   • Comparative analysis of air pollution reduction relative to other cities’ congestion pricing programs.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: airqualitynews.com