By Philip Newman
The MTA Wednesday approved increases in tolls on bridges and tunnels, which will mean E-ZPass users will pay 5 percent more — but motorists who pay in cash will get hit with a nearly 18 percent hike.
The approval of tolls follows the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s recent approval of fares on buses, subways and commuter trains.
It will cost from 50 cents to $1 more to pay tolls in cash starting Dec. 30.
Paying in cash will cost $6.50 at major crossings and $3.25 at minor crossings.
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge will cost those paying cash $13; E-ZPass users will pay $9.60. The toll at the Henry Hudson Bridge will be $4.
The MTA said the higher costs for drivers paying in cash would encourage people to use mass transit.
Following the vote, MTA Chairman Jay Walder was asked whether he thought thousands of people would leave their cars at home and take mass transit rather than pay more for tolls.
“I think if toll increases were to move more people to public transit, I don’t think it would be the worst thing in the world,” Walder said.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at timesledgernews@cnglocal.com or phone at 718-260-4536.
