In 2026, buses in the congestion zone are still about 2.4% faster than the same routes outside it. Taxis and Ubers ran about 2% faster than uptown Manhattan in 2025; so far in 2026 they are back level with it (−1%, within the margin of error). Bus lanes and enforcement are what keep a bus moving once traffic creeps back.
Change in speed from congestion pricing. Buses: routes inside the zone against the same routes outside it (MTA bus speeds). Taxis and Uber/Lyft: trips inside the zone against trips in Manhattan above 60 St (NYC TLC trip records). Weekdays, 6 am to 8 pm. 2026 runs through August. The full study