Meet the brothers who created the most popular congestion pricing tracking tool in New York.
The tracker started as a data collection project among siblings.
The implementation of the congestion pricing system in New York City has raised questions about its effectiveness. In this context, a new web tool called the Congestion Pricing Tracker, created by two college brothers, has gained attention. This platform utilizes real-time traffic data from Google Maps to calculate travel times on different routes. It presents the information through graphs that show traffic before and after the toll was introduced, which was activated on January 5.
Since its implementation, most drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak hours must face a fee of $9, or $2.25 during nights and weekends. The results suggest that this toll scheme is achieving the desired outcomes by modifying motorists' behavior and generating revenue for public transportation improvements.
Benjamin Moshes, one of the brothers, started working on this traffic-related project after his professor suggested he investigate the new congestion surcharge. He was particularly interested in how an increase in the cost of driving could influence people's decisions to opt for private vehicles in a densely populated area with good transportation alternatives.
Inspired by the theory of price elasticity, he questioned how much the cost would need to increase for a significant number of people to change their transportation habits. He recruited his brother Joshua, who was about to start his first year in college, to help develop the tracker.
Despite an initial delay caused by the temporary suspension of the toll by Governor Kathy Hochul, the system was finally implemented, and the cost was adjusted from $15 to $9. Simultaneously, the tracker was launched, quickly gaining popularity among transportation advocates who were interested in observing in real time how traffic changed after the new system was implemented.
Using the Google Maps API, the brothers collect traffic data from 19 routes, updating it every 15 minutes, providing 1,824 data points daily. Although the initial focus was on measuring average speed within the zone, they opted for travel times as a more relevant indicator of congestion.
The tracker’s results have surprised the brothers, who have received recognition in major media outlets and have noticed an increase in social media engagement and donations towards their project. Their goal is to keep this tool active despite the costs of web hosting and data collection, with the hope of improving their methodology and design.
Beyond the results, Professor Emily Oster, Benjamin's advisor, highlighted the success of the project due to its ability to provide immediate information about traffic patterns. The tool not only facilitates measuring the effect of the new toll but potentially influences future decisions regarding traffic management in the metropolis.