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Politics & Government

MTA Considers 15% Cash Toll Hike for Bridges and Tunnels

Even drivers will feel the extra pinch in the MTA's new budget, says a Daily News insider.

The MTA is considering a proposal that would raise tolls on New York City’s major bridges and tunnels, the New York Daily News says.

Under the scenario, cash tolls for the Verrazano Bridge would jump from $13 to $15, while the Robert F. Kennedy, Whitestone and Throgs Neck bridges, as well as the Midtown and Battery tunnels would all increase to $7.50. Cash olls on the Henry Hudson Bridge would be raised to $5, while bridges like the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial and the Cross Bay Vets Memorial would rise to $3.75.

Drivers who use E-ZPass have been given a small discount on tolls – a way to entice more customers – though according to the paper’s sources, with 80 percent of drivers already enrolled in the program, electronic tolls may rise as well.

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Shari Ford, a Brooklyn driver, told the paper that she was worried about paying higher tolls to take her kids to away sports matches in New Jersey and Staten Island.

“In these times, I don’t think people can afford the extra money,” Ford told the Daily News. “When do we get a break?”

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The MTA board will vote on a final budget in December, with the increased tolls going into effect by March, around the same as proposed subway and bus fare increases.

An MTA spokesman declined to comment to the Daily News about any potential fare and toll increases.

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