Port Authority seeking fare, toll hikes across New York area

Get ready to spend more money to cross bridges, ride trains and take taxis in the New York/New Jersey area.

News 12 Staff

Jun 26, 2019, 10:26 AM

Updated 2,010 days ago

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Get ready to spend more money to cross bridges, ride trains and take taxis in the New York/New Jersey area.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has proposed raising tolls at its bridges and tunnels and hiking fares on its PATH rail service and on trains to John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International airports.
It's also seeking a $4 surcharge on taxis and app-based car services at the airports the agency operates.
“We’re making big investments, we are spending that money wisely. We are achieving visible and tangible results that benefit the region,” Port Authority CFO Libby McCarthy said during a meeting Thursday.
The Port Authority said this week that the increases are needed to keep up with inflation and pay for more than $30 billion in capital projects. Those include a new air train to LaGuardia Airport, a new terminal at Newark Liberty International Airport and improvements to the PATH system.
The proposal, presented to the Board of Directors Thursday, includes a $1 toll increase at bridges and tunnels. The current E-ZPass discount would go away because the agency says that the price reduction is no longer needed as an enticement.
Single-ride PATH fares will stay the same - $2.75 per ride, but the multitrip discount would be cut - an increase of $.40 per ride.
The plan also calls for a $4 per ride airport pickup fee for taxis and ride-sharing services. Services like Uber and Lyft may also face a pickup tax.
Public hearings will be held next month. A board vote could happen in September.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.