Nov 14, 2007 8:26 pm US/Eastern
Port Authority To Announce Proposed NJ Toll Hike
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
The Port Authority is planning on announcing a toll increase at its Hudson Crossings, and drivers don't seem to be too enthusiastic on the prospect of paying more money. Drivers using the tunnels and bridges to go into Manhattan will soon be forking over an extra $2 to the Port Authority, who according to reports, plan on raising tolls from $6 to $8 by early next year. Just as expected, commuters are not happy. "It's terrible because sometimes I go to the city two times a day," said disgruntled commuter Nelson Moreara. Other commuters are angry EZ Pass discounts would only be available during off-peak hours. "Now you want everyone to use EZ Pass but you don't want to give a discount on it," said commuter Lawrence Coughlin. "If they keep raising prices we're going to have to discontinue working in New York," commuter Charlie Happel told CBS 2. Despite the outrage from drivers, one Tri-State organization said a toll increase is desperately needed. "It's expensive to maintain our bridges and tunnels and I think a toll increase is necessary – we have a lot of needs. We need a new passenger rail tunnel under the Hudson River," said Kate Slevin. Port Authority officials have indicated a toll increase would be necessary because of a second rail tunnel project scheduled to be completed in ten years. Some voters hold Governor Jon Corzine accountable since the Port Authority board answers to him. The Governor said there are significant security needs, but his spokesperson said a full review would be necessary before any action take place. Sources say the plan also calls for PATH commuters to pay an extra 50-cent. The Port Authority will officially announce the toll-increase plan at its board meeting Thursday.
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