Event Recap: NYC Congestion Pricing is Working. So Why is it Under Attack?
On February 25, 2025, NYU Wagner partnered with The Century Foundation to present “NYC Congestion Pricing is Working. So Why is it Under Attack?,” a panel discussion featuring prominent experts exploring the initial impact and potential future of New York City’s hotly debated congestion pricing program. The panel drew a capacity crowd as Wagner’s first evening event in its new space on 17th Street.
Following opening remarks from NYU Wagner Dean Sherry Glied and The Century Foundation President Mark Zuckerman, president and CEO of Partnership for NYC Kathryn S. Wylde shared a presentation detailing the initial data from the first month of congestion pricing. Polly Trottenberg, former deputy secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation and former New York City transportation commissioner, then moderated the panel discussion, which included panelists:
- Sarah Kaufman, director, NYU Rudin Center for Transportation and assistant clinical professor of public service
- Juliette Michaelson, deputy chief of policy and external relations, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
- Tiffany-Ann Taylor, vice president for transportation, Regional Plan Association
- Paul Tice, adjunct professor of finance, NYU Stern School of Business
From her experience in her two most recent roles, Trottenberg was able to provide first-hand insight into the beginnings of congestion pricing, which was initially officially proposed in 2019, and its history since, including the Biden administration’s approval of the program last fall.
Michaelson provided insight into the program’s impact thus far, including reduced traffic in the congestion zone, as well as increased retail sales and commercial leases in Manhattan. The MTA had released the program’s January revenue—$48.66 million—the day before the panel event.
Tice, who joined virtually, offered a different viewpoint, countering that the real impacts of large initiatives such as this one—particularly the economic impacts—can’t effectively be measured until the program has been running for at least a year.
Speaking from a regional perspective, Taylor discussed the notion that congestion pricing is a crucial step that everyone can be a part of in working towards a community benefit. She also noted that congestion pricing comes as a result of exhausting traditional ideas for reducing traffic and increasing revenue for future projects.
Kaufman added that congestion pricing can be seen as one step in a more holistic approach that the State and City can partner on to make the city safer for pedestrians and motorists alike, mentioning that reexamining the use of curb space could be another meaningful step in reducing congestion and promoting safety.