According to new preliminary numbers released Monday by the MTA, traffic was down more than 7% last week, compared to the same time last year. The numbers also reveal that about 219,000 fewer cars went into Manhattan below 60th Street, in the first week of the tolling program that charges most drivers at least $9 to drive in what's called the Central Business District. The MTA also claims travel times for drivers are 30% to 40% percent shorter on inbound river crossings. The early numbers show the trip across the Queensboro Bridge westbound during the AM rush is about two minutes shorter compared to the same time last year.

According to the agency, "the MTA will continue to provide updates as more information is collected and analysis is completed. A fuller set of insights and publication of January data can be expected in mid-February."