Both Port Authority’s of New York and New Jersey recently announced plans for possible inflation-based toll and fare increases as soon as January 2020.

The increases would affect six bridges, including the Bayonne Bridge, Goethals Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing. The proposed toll increases are estimated to range from a dollar to a dollar and a half for both auto cash and E-Z Pass peak and non-peak hours.

The proposed increases are based off an inflation-based schedule that was mandated by the Port Authority board as far back as 2008. The scheduled increases reflect the cumulative impact of inflation on existing toll rates that reaches $1, measured by the last increase.

Included in the toll increase, are the proposed changes that would limit the number of drivers who qualify for the Staten Island Bridges Plan discount. Staten Island residents can voice their opinions at a public hearing scheduled for Monday, July 22, at 7pm, at the Williamson Theater on the College of Staten Island campus, 2800 Victory Boulevard.

During the 2019 three-way budget negotiations between the Legislature and the Governor, Speaker Heastie Assemblyman Michael Cusick and Assemblyman Charles D. Fall collaboratively came to an agreement to secure the Verrazzano resident toll at $5.50. The MTA was set to implement a 40 cent increase on the resident discount.

“We all know that we live on an Island where access to and from New Jersey and the other boroughs are conducted via bridges and a ferry system. Inflation doesn’t only affect our infrastructure and its upgrades, it directly impacts the pocketbooks of our residents.

I strongly urge residents to participate in the upcoming public hearing, your voices count. I will certainly continue to work with my fellow lawmakers and urge Governor Cuomo and Murphy to come to a fair and just resolution to the proposed toll and fare increases,” said Fall