NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Staten Islanders' drivers will soon be paying more than ever to head to and from New Jersey.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey voted Thursday to approve toll increases on the agency's six interstate crossings, including the Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing, SILive.com reported.
The cash-by-mail toll will rise from $16 to $17 beginning Sunday, Jan. 8, with the E-ZPass peak hours toll increasing from $13.75 to $14.75 and the E-ZPass non-peak hours toll increasing from $11.75 to $12.75.
"This budget process started six to eight months ago, and was very challenging in the current environment...Taking into account the challenging economic environment and coming out with a budget that collectively we believe is responsible and provides the resources to execute on our priorities," said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.
The hikes, according to the report, were calculated by an inflation-based schedule established by the Port Authority board in 2008. The timetable calls for automatic hikes whenever the cumulative impact of inflation on existing toll charges surpasses $1 since the last increase.
The monthly three-trip threshold required to activate the discounted rate for the Staten Island Bridges Plan, which offers residents a 50% savings on the peak E-ZPass toll, will remain at $7.38.
Single-ride JFK and Newark AirTrain tickets will rise from $8 to $8.25, but PATH fares will stay unchanged.
The change reportedly marks the first toll increase on Port Authority crossings since January 2020.
Borough President Vito Fossella criticized the raise when it was first announced, saying it will come at a time when "Staten Islanders are suffering from from rampant traffic congestion, inflation and a heavy tax burden."
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