New York City is adopting a tolling and traffic management system for its Central Business District from Tennessee-based TransCore. The programme is the first of its kind to launch in the US. According to TransCore, the programme is a significant advance for urban tolling and congestion management.

TransCore is the prime Design-Build-Operate-Maintain (DBOM) contractor for New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP). The company has designed, deployed and is now operating a configuration of its latest Infinity Digital Lane System.

The technology has been implemented across more than 100 detection points throughout New York City to form a perimeter below 60th Street and around Lower Manhattan. It has established a Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) within one of the most congested districts in the United States. By reducing traffic into and through the CRZ, the programme aims to improve air quality, make streets safer, and enhance transit in NYC.

The Infinity system uses neural network data processing and machine learning to identify vehicles entering the CRZ. It then applies various pricing methodologies to assign tolls. The installed infrastructure is designed to minimise the hardware footprint and visually integrate with Manhattan’s diverse neighbourhoods. It is able to accommodate the city’s mix of high-volume multimodal traffic without disruption.

Following the congestion pricing system’s launch in early 2025, first results show a significant reduction in the number of vehicles entering the CRZ. They also show improved travel times within and to the CBD. Some drivers reportedly experience up to 40% travel time reductions on inbound river crossings.

Traffic, travel, and transit data are being closely monitored to assess impacts on NYC commuters.

According to the NYC MTA, more than 700,000 vehicles entered the CRZ on a typical weekday prior to the commencement of the congestion pricing programme. In the first week of operation, the MTA reported a 7.51% reduction in traffic year over year, with 219,000 fewer vehicles entering the CRZ. The MTA’s congestion pricing programme is expected to provide insights into how other metropolitan areas might employ technology to create more liveable, sustainable, and efficient urban cores in the future.

“Our customers rely on us to deliver the most challenging and innovative transportation technology projects in the world. I couldn’t be prouder of our team who rose to this challenge, truly pushing boundaries with cutting-edge technology and complex infrastructure installation throughout Lower Manhattan. TransCore is humbled to play our role in this transformative project that will improve New York City’s urban mobility ecosystem in a sustainable way by reducing congestion and funding vital transit system capital programmes,” said TransCore President and CEO, Whitt Hall. “The MTA has been TransCore’s valued partner for many years, and we appreciate the opportunity to continue delivering innovative, industry-leading solutions that promote sustainable and efficient travel, align with their mission, and enhance their customer experience. We’re excited to see the programme’s impact in the years ahead.”