Traffic in Manhattan's central business district fell by 7.5% last week and 273,000 fewer cars entered the borough's central business district after the first congestion pricing fee in the U.S. took effect on Jan.

The first congestion pricing plan in the U.S. has begun, charging most drivers $9 a day to enter the lower half of Manhattan. The long-debated plan is projected to raise up to $800 million a year for the city's aging public transit system.

According to the MTA website, congestion pricing hopes to raise $15 billion for capital improvements to the MTA network. Drivers will be tolled upon entry to local streets and avenues below and including 60th Street in Manhattan. About two million cars are registered in New York City, according to New York City’s GreenDivided .