The scheme aims to ease New York's notorious traffic problems and raise billions for the public transport network. Most drivers are charged $9 once per day to enter the congestion zone at peak hours, and $2.25 at other times.

The MTA released a report Monday showing traffic heading into New York City was down a week after the new congestion pricing plan went into effect.

Vehicles pass a sign on 9th Avenue announcing New York City's congestion pricing program in effect charging drivers for entering the central business district in Manhattan below 60th street in New York City,

New York City's Metropolitan Transit Authority says preliminary data shows the introduction of congestion pricing has led to a sharp cut in traffic in the first few days.