Data: South Bronx air quality worsens during first year of congestion pricing

News 12 The Bronx

by Erica Lunsford

Researchers found across 19 monitors, the overall average of 2.5 particulate matter levels, which primarily consists of soot, dust, smoke, and droplets, increased by 0.22 micrograms by cubic meter.

A new study has found that the air quality in the South Bronx has worsened during the first year of congestion pricing.

The study was done through a partnership between Columbia University and South Bronx Unite.

"Ideally, the congestion pricing is saying, ‘Oh, maybe use alternative transportation,’ but people are still driving and trying to avoid it," says Alexander De Jesus, a data analyst with Columbia. Researchers found across 19 monitors, the overall average of 2.5 particulate matter levels, which primarily consists of soot, dust, smoke, and droplets, increased by 0.22 micrograms by cubic meter.

With four monitors near major expressways showing significant increases, the highest among those reaching +1.29 micrograms by cubic meter.