Manhattanites & Transit Riders Strongly Support NYC Congestion Pricing, New Poll Finds
Third Avenue Institute’s survey of registered voters finds NYC evenly split for and against Manhattan’s congestion relief zone, with support highest among transit users and Manhattan residents.
NEW YORK, NY — A new survey from the Third Avenue Institute finds that New York City voters are deeply divided on congestion pricing, with support highest among Manhattan residents and transit users, and strong opposition among drivers. The poll, conducted from January 13th to 31st, 2025, surveyed 264 registered voters across the five boroughs.
Overall, 45% of voters support congestion pricing, while 46% oppose it. Manhattanites are the most supportive, with 57% in favor and just 32% opposed. A 66% supermajority of transit riders, pedestrians, and cyclists support the policy. In contrast, drivers overwhelmingly oppose being tolled, with 79% against congestion pricing.
"These results highlight a key political divide," said Sebastian Hallum Clarke, Research Director of the Third Avenue Institute. "Support is concentrated among those who rely on transit, while opposition is strongest among groups most financially impacted by the toll—drivers and outer-borough residents."
Key Findings:
Manhattan and Brooklyn are the only boroughs where a majority support congestion pricing. Residents of the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island mostly oppose the policy.
Opinions are most sharply split by means of travel, with 66% of people who primarily access the congestion pricing zone by transit, foot, or bike in favor, and 92% of drivers opposed.
A plurality of registered Democrats support the toll (49% for, 41% against), while registered Republicans almost universally oppose it (6% for, 92% against).
The survey results come as congestion pricing began on January 5th. Most vehicles that enter Manhattan below 60th Street must now pay a toll. The policy, designed to reduce traffic congestion and fund public transit improvements, has sparked fierce debate among New Yorkers and elected officials.
"We plan to closely monitor how public sentiment about congestion pricing changes," said Hallum Clarke. "Other cities with similar policies have found upswings in support as residents increasingly see the benefits of congestion pricing.”
About the Third Avenue Institute
The Third Avenue Institute is a non-partisan nonprofit organization dedicated to researching the opinions of New Yorkers. Our mission is to help elected officials and government agencies to better understand what New Yorkers think, and ensure that everyone’s voice can be heard — not just the well-connected and powerful.
Full Results
Responses of 264 randomly sampled New York City registered voters from Jan 13th-31st, 2025.
Detailed Survey Methodology
This poll was conducted in accordance with the American Association for Public Opinion Research’s Code of Professional Ethics and Practices.
The Third Avenue Institute randomly sampled New York City registered voters and emailed them an invitation to participate in our online survey about congestion pricing. Survey participation was voluntary and no reward or compensation was offered to participants.
This research study is a proprietary study commissioned by the Third Avenue Institute, with no outside sponsorship.
All responses were tied to a unique participant ID and only the first submission from each participant ID was accepted for analysis.
During the January survey period (January 13th – 31st 2025) the survey received 264 responses. Using standard methodology, the margin of error on this sample size of the topline result is ±5.9%.
To ensure the survey results accurately reflect the population of New York City registered voters, we re-weighted responses according to actual distribution of registered voters’ borough of residence, party affiliation, age group, and gender. Primary travel mode, which is presented as a slice but was not used for response weighting, was self-reported in response to the question “When you travel to/from/through Manhattan below 60th Street, what is your primary mode of transport?”. Tabulation may not sum to 100% due to rounding.
Limitations on this research include:
Number of respondents and corresponding possibility of some demographic groups being underrepresented, even despite reweighting.
People with stronger opinions about the topic may be more likely to respond to the survey, which would lead to underrepresentation of people with weak or neutral opinions.
Press Contact
To schedule an interview or request additional data, contact:
Sebastian Hallum Clarke
Research Director
Third Avenue Institute
sebastian@thirdavenue.nyc
How many fell under each method of transportation? Don't a majority of NYers and near totality of Manhattanites ride transit/walk/bike?
Total opposition from drivers means a lot less when it's 20% of the population.