MTA Congestion Pricing Data Shows Improved Bus Speeds and Revenue

Congestion Pricing Performance

• 💰 The MTA collected $51.9 million in February from the congestion pricing tolling program, an increase of $3.3 million from January.
• 📈 The agency reports that the tolling program has led to improvements in travel times.

Bus Rider Benefits

• 🚌 Systemwide, bus speeds have increased by 4% this year due to reduced congestion.
• 📍 A pilot program, in effect since mid-February, is evaluating bus travel times and potential schedule adjustments.
• 📉 Some of the largest gains in speed and reduction in bus bunching have been observed on routes like the M42, M50, and Q32.

Capital Plan Funding Concerns

• 💸 The MTA is on track to meet its end-of-year goal of collecting $500 million, with $78 million designated for capital projects.
• ⚠️ However, the capital plan remains significantly underfunded, with a $30+ billion gap.
• 🗣️ The MTA Chairman is expected to lobby lawmakers in Albany for additional funding in the upcoming state budget.
• ⚠️ Without sufficient funding, there are concerns about potential service disruptions, reminiscent of a past "summer of hell."