New York City’s congestion pricing plan, which aims to ease traffic and provide funds for mass transit, has raised concerns over its potential impact on pollution levels in the South Bronx. Preliminary data from the first few weeks of tolling shows a possible uptick in traffic in the neighborhood, which could worsen air quality issues.
The South Bronx is already plagued by high levels of air pollution due to a large number of pollution-spewing trucks that contribute to elevated rates of asthma. Local activists are warning that motorists avoiding tolls via detours could exacerbate this problem, leaving residents breathing toxic air.
However, it’s too early to draw conclusions about traffic in the South Bronx and its link to congestion pricing. Data from Inrix shows a 9% increase in afternoon travel times on major highways and expressways during the first two weeks after tolling started, compared with the same time period in 2024. This could reflect other impediments such as accidents or construction projects.
Environmental experts caution that gauging the exact effect of congestion pricing on air quality will take time and careful analysis of complex factors. “From a scientific viewpoint, we need at least one year of data,” said Holger Eisl, an environmental science professor at Queens College.
To mitigate any negative effects, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has allocated over $71 million for mitigation efforts in the South Bronx, including new asthma center, air filtration systems, and park renovations. However, activists like Mychal Johnson, co-founder of South Bronx Unite, argue that these actions are insufficient, saying “mitigation after the fact is not helpful.” They call for real, solid solutions to address the pre-existing pollution issue.
As the health department plans to share its environmental findings with the MTA in early 2026, researchers will continue to analyze data and consider factors such as weather patterns, wind speed, and general trends in air pollution. With dense housing and major roadways, the South Bronx is a complex environment that requires careful consideration when examining air quality fluctuations.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/02/nyregion/congestion-pricing-air.html