In the 2010s I managed an engineering organization with teams in California and New York. I travelled to NYC a number of times, typically staying near Chelsea Market.
The Maritime on 16th street was my usual lodging, next to Google's NYC office and with the 14th Ave subway station nearby. I recall the blaring of car horns being ever-present, continuing late into the night.
We brought the whole family to New York City in July, the first time I have been there in almost 10 years. We stayed in Manhattan in the Financial District, and went for pizza very near the Google building. The streets were very clear, nowhere near the level of traffic I remember.
 (view from the Empire State Building) |
 (on the way to pizza)
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In January 2025, New York City implemented a congestion pricing mechanism to increase tolls for cars entering the city. It had an almost immediate impact in reducing traffic:
- February, 1 million cars reduced
- March, large increase in public transit utilization
- April, large reduction in congestion
- Manhattan foot traffic finally tops pre-pandemic times
The Federal government, always eager to increase fossil fuel consumption, has revoked the needed authorizations and demanded that NYC end the congestion pricing mechanism. The two parties will present their arguments in court in October 2025.
I hope congestion pricing stays. The city is better for having it in place.