The Port Authority last night held a public forum at the College of Staten Island to discuss potential toll increases to the Bayonne Bridge, Goethals Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel and George Washington Bridge.

Staten Islander’s rely on these corridors on a daily basis and will once again be directly impacted with the slightest increase. The Port Authority also discussed the matter of reducing the number of drivers who can qualify for the Staten Island Bridge Discount.

In relation to reducing the number of Staten Islanders who would qualify for the EZ-Pass discount, there is a proposal that would require residents to travel at least 10 times – via one of the island’s corridors listed above - to receive a retroactive discount. This proposal is not viable for a majority of residents who simply don’t travel that much, especially during inclement weather.

Another proposal that was discussed was a new truck toll that would add an additional $1 more per axle, per crossing, which will most likely be passed down to residents at the supermarket and department stores.

Over and over again we hear that fare and toll increases are needed to counter inflation and the heighten necessity to fix our infrastructure. What needs to be heavily considered is that inflation impacts the working middle class, low income and seniors directly. So in essence it’s the families who are going to be impacted twofold if these toll increases are implemented.

I along with my colleague Assemblyman Michael Cusick negotiated during the 2019 budget to keep the Staten Island discount to $5.50 for the Verrazzano Bridge. We also passed congestion pricing, share-ride surcharge and an internet sales tax to help off-set cost for upgrades to our infrastructure. However, revenues if passed would not make any impact for at least two years.

Regardless, we cannot keep looking to residents -that live on an island- to bear the full cost of toll increases. There is a clear need for both the Port Authority and the MTA to be more transparent to residents about toll increases and renovation projects. We must look to alternative resources and funding from both New York and New Jersey to off-set cost until revenues from the above mentioned programs start to be received.