Today, Assembly Assistant Majority Leader Charles D. Fall (D-Richmond, New York, Kings) announces a package of legislation that will put Staten Islanders first. Assembly Bill A03396 will exempt Staten Island residents from Verrazzano-Bridge tolls. Assemblyman Fall has also introduced a bill which will consist of having revenue collected from Verrazzano-Bridge tolls by non-Staten Island residents to be used for completion of projects such as the Bus Rapid Transit and the extension of the HOV lane on the Staten Island expressway.

“I have long called for the completion of the Bus Rapid Transit and the extension of the HOV lane in order to alleviate roadway congestion on the Staten Island Expressway. Our residents continue to suffer from cost-of- living increases; revenue collected over these tolls at the very least should be spent in supplying the transportation and infrastructure projects that Staten Islanders are in dire need of.” said Assemblyman Charles D. Fall

“I am proud that I was able to secure the Staten Island resident discount in our one-house so we have our discount even if our tolls are raised. Staten Islanders already deal with some of the longest commutes in the country and we need to make sure we are doing everything we can to alleviate the burdens of their commutes including exempting residents from tolls” said State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Additionally, the third and fourth bill introduced by Assemblyman Fall, Bill A03401 and Bill S4294 relate to speed cameras and Park-and-Ride permits here in Staten Island. Speed cameras in school zones are one of the goals aimed at reducing traffic fatalities in New York City. Therefore, the program should be kept intact for the safety of our children, pedestrians and crossing guards. However, current guidelines in existing law associated with activation times and radius surrounding institutions of learning are causing an unfair burden on drivers in many areas throughout New York City and New York State. The intent of Bill A03401 is to further promote the effectiveness of the school speed zone program however on streets/roadways located immediately within a school radius and to amend current guidelines in existing law to promote a more justified area and timing of said speed cameras. In addition, Bill S4294 will require residents of Staten Island to have a Park-and-Ride permit free of charge and out of state residents will need to pay an annual fee for such permit.

“Our residents have continually received the short end of the stick when it comes to transportation and infrastructure. This package of bills prioritizes Staten Islanders and addresses some of the most urgent needs. Toll collected revenue will further supplement capital projects such as the Bus Rapid Transit and the extension of the HOV lane. Enhancing and further promoting the effectiveness of the school speed zone program through better activation times in surrounding school speed zones is something that needed to be addressed in easing an unfair burden to commuters in New York City & New York State. Staten Island commuters deserve the convenience of being able to find parking at Park-and-Rides and not pay the same permit fees that out of state residents pay; through the Park-and-Ride bill, the burden of having to drive through congested roads will be lessened; furthermore, reducing gridlock traffic by assisting to the use of public transportation.” said Assemblyman Charles D. Fall