NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Everyone wants to know the impact of congestion pricing on the roads and the rails.
An early snapshot from the MTA shows the number of subway rides increased 4% on Monday compared to January 6 last year, which was also a Monday.
The MTA and city are monitoring traffic flow. The cameras and agencies have been gathering data for months to set a baseline.
Officials will publicly share information about toll charges and travel as the program continues.
Neighbors, drivers, and riders are also watching.
Congestion pricing is a big change to the streets and not only with the installation of the cameras. The toll to travel south of 60th street in Manhattan (except along the FDR or west side highway) is expected to impact how people move.
Most car drivers will pay $9 during peak times on their EZ-pass with credits given to drivers traveling through tunnels.
Demetri is a Queens resident and daily commuter. "I'll wait and see. Hope for the best. I'm also a jaded life-long New Yorker," he said.
Some drivers have been parking along the boundaries and walking to appointments. Other people say they're taking public transit. Commuters and travelers are factoring in the time and cost. The subway fare is $2.90.
The promise is congestion pricing will fund transit improvements.
New routines will be tested and formed. The nation's first congestion pricing toll began Sunday morning.
Taxis and for-hire vehicles are charged only when a passenger is on board. A steady flow could be observed along the avenues into the zone.
On the Queensboro Bridge, the upper level to 63rd Street is a way to avoid the charge if people are headed north. That route puts you outside the zone.
The George Washington Bridge is another point that people are monitoring along with vehicles at the tunnels.
