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Effects of congestion surcharges: From ridership to competition and safety

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  • Weber, Bryan S.
  • Moghtaderi, Ali
  • Cappellari, Paolo

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of a 2019 congestion surcharge on for-hire-vehicle and taxi usage in New York City. We use a difference-in-differences method to evaluate both the change in rides during this period and the coinciding decline in pickups. We find a significant decline in rides originating from the charged area (11%), and a parallel reduction in collisions (5%), injuries (9%), and some fatalities, suggesting that the policy has successfully created the intended reduction in vehicular activity. Taxis appear to lose a larger number of rides than their competition, both in single-passenger and shared rides.

Suggested Citation

  • Weber, Bryan S. & Moghtaderi, Ali & Cappellari, Paolo, 2025. "Effects of congestion surcharges: From ridership to competition and safety," Economics of Transportation, Elsevier, vol. 43(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecotra:v:43:y:2025:i:c:s2212012225000346
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecotra.2025.100426
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