Highway Robbery

Since when isn’t a toll hike a tax? The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s proposed fare and toll increases to target current and future expenses may be substantial, but are “absolutely necessary,” Executive Director of the Port Authority Chris Ward said in a prepared statement.

The toll hikes have been approved and will be in effect as of next month. Millions of cars pass through the George Washington a day paying $8.00 a car. Commuters suggest that’s enough to build another bridge. Don’t the governors of NY and NJ see what is going on with our economy? How can they approve this? The toll at the Golden Gate Bridge in LA is $6.00 with no scheduled increases through 2012.

The original plan basically would have doubled tolls for some motorists from $8 to $17 by 2014. However, the new plan by Governor Andrew Cuomo D-N.Y. and Governor Chris Christie R-N.J. would raise tolls to $14.50 for some motorists by 2015.

“We recognize that the proposed increase is substantial, but it is also absolutely necessary to ensure the financial strength of the port authority and to maintain and grow the critical transportation infrastructure that serves the bi-state region,” Ward said. “This proposed increase will enable us to complete current projects and execute a $33 billion capital plan that will meet the critical and growing transportation needs of the region while generating 157,000 jobs and $9.7 billion in wages.”