Some businesses are swapping big trucks for vans and other small commercial vehicles to make deliveries within the congestion pricing zone, according to new traffic data. The shift allows delivery fleets to take advantage of lower tolls on those types of vehicles and is an early indicator of how shippers are adapting to the new toll on Manhattan’s busiest streets.
Traffic analytics firm, Altitude by Geotab, found that from Jan. 5 through the end of May, 431 fewer trucks entered Manhattan south of 60th Street compared to the same period last year. That includes 256 fewer heavy-duty trucks, 154 fewer medium-duty trucks and 21 fewer small trucks. Over the same period, Altitude found that 1,526 more vans and small commercial vehicles entered the congestion pricing zone, thanks to data from wireless, in-vehicle telematic sensors.
Every time a truck enters the congestion pricing zone the Metropolitan Transportation Authority tolls it between $14.40 and $21.60, depending on its size. Unlike trucks, vans and other small commercial vehicles are charged just $9 once per day to enter the zone.
More small vehicles delivering packages should improve traffic flow because they are more agile and less bulky compared to trucks, said transportation engineer Sam Schwartz. It also likely enables them to complete more trips more quickly. Altitude found that speeds for commercial vehicles on 44% of the roads within the congestion zone sped up between 8:00am and 6:00pm, since implementation of the toll. Another 40% of roadways saw no discernible change; 16% were slower on average.
Source: Crain’s New York Business
