Bridge Tolls Critical Missing Part Of NY Transit Funding Package

The Post's transit reporter looks at the substantial MTA budget shortfall resulting in major service reductions and fare increases, but one MTA board member regrets the state senate's refusal to do away with the 'free ride' to Manhattan.

December 13, 2010, 6am PST | Irvin Dawid

The 'free ride' is for motorists who drive across the East and Harlem Rivers. The fees and taxes, including a regional payroll tax, that the legislature did approve in 2009 are falling short of their revenue projections.

"The riders have done their part with service cuts and fare hikes, but motorists aren't doing their part," fumed Andrew Albert, an Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board member. He added that the bailout bill "is not a good package" and that city's free bridges should be tolled to help finance mass transit."

From Streetsblog: Road Pricing Still the Big Missing Piece in MTA Funding Puzzle: " Tolls on the East and Harlem River bridges were supposed to be part of the deal - getting car commuters who benefit from the congestion-busting effect of transit to contribute their fair share. But the State Senate insisted on preserving the free ride for motorists."

Thanks to Streetsblog New York City

Full Story:

Watch the gap! MTA hit by tax shortfalls

Published on Monday, December 6, 2010 in New York Post