NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Getting across the Hudson River suddenly became more expensive on Sunday.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey raised the toll rate $0.63 in “an automatic, inflation-based toll adjustment at all Port Authority bridges and tunnels,” the agency said.
Toll hikes only apply at the Lincoln and Holland tunnels; the George Washington, Bayonne and Goethals Bridges; and the Outerbridge Crossing, Port Authority said.
The change makes the cost of crossing into New York $15.38 during peak hours and $13.38 during off-peak hours for E-ZPass holders driving standard passenger vehicles.
Tolls are not collected entering New Jersey.
Motorists who do not have a New Jersey or New York-issued E-ZPass will receive their $17.63 toll by mail, as all Port Authority tolls are now cashless, the agency said.
The hike comes after the passing of a controversial congestion pricing plan by the MTA in December, which would charge passenger cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street $15 electronically, or $22.50 for those without E-ZPass.
The plan is currently being fought in court by the city’s United Federation of Teachers and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.