Yesterday, it was announced that for the first time in 30 years, split tolling on the Verazzano-Narrows Bridge is no longer banned. Additional action will be required by the MTA to begin charging tolls in each direction.

Last week President Trump signed a $1.4 trillion spending package that included the repeal of the split-tolling ban, splitting the one toll of $19 into two, $9.50 split-toll. It is expected that truck and overall congestion and pollution will be reduced especially eastbound. More importantly, the MTA is expected to net an additional $12.3 million in annual revenue as a result of the switch to split tolling.

“I would like to commend the White House and the Congressional Delegation for working together to implement this new proposal that will assist in congestion of our highways and local streets without costing Staten Islander’s a cent more.

However, with the expected revenue stream coming from this proposal, I want to see additional modifications, toll hike protection and increase of public transportation proposals implemented for the North Shore of Staten Island. I look forward to continuing to work with my local, state and federal colleagues to see these improvements and modifications implemented,” said Assemblyman Charles D. Fall.