N.Y. Governor, Lawmakers Push Lower Tolls for Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and legislative leaders have endorsed a plan to reduce tolls on the bridge connecting New York City boroughs Staten Island and Brooklyn.
Under the agreement, commercial vehicles that use the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge more than 10 times a month would receive a 20% discount on tolls, bringing the 5-axle vehicle toll to $42.13 from the current $52.52. The discounts only would apply to vehicles using New York E-ZPass transponders.
The plan would bring the E-ZPass rate for passenger vehicle drivers who live in Staten Island to $5.50, compared with the current $6 for drivers who cross more than three times a month and $6.36 for less-frequent drivers.
“The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is a lifeline for Staten Island — for its residents, for its neighbors, for its businesses and for its economy,” Cuomo said in a Feb. 6 statement. “This toll relief will allow Staten Islanders to keep more of their money on the island and will make a real difference for companies that rely on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to keep their business thriving.”
Before it takes effect, the toll structure must be approved by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which owns many of the bridges and tunnels within New York City.
