On Sunday, January 7th, drivers using several of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s crossings, both bridges and tunnels, saw increased toll rates.
The 63-cent per ride increase is part of an effort to boost revenue. This is the third toll increase in five years for automobile drivers.
E-ZPass users will now pay $15.38 instead of $14.75 during peak hours, marking a 4.3% rise.
Off-peak hours will see a 4.9% increase, with rates going up to $13.38 from $12.75. For those without a New York or New Jersey-issued E-ZPass, the toll will be $17.63, up from $17.
In addition to the increased tolls for automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles, AirTrain ticket prices will rise by 25 cents, while PATH fares will remain unchanged.
The Port Authority stated that these new rates are aligned with the inflation rate and are based on the 3.7% increase in the consumer price index from September 2022 to September 2023.
This toll adjustment only affects New York City and New Jersey crossings, including the Lincoln and Holland tunnels and various bridges.
These tolls are only applied to vehicles entering New York City, not those returning to New Jersey.
These new increases precede New York City’s contentious congestion pricing plan set to begin in March.
This plan, approved by the Metropolitan Transit Authority board in December, will require drivers to pay an additional $15 toll when exiting the Holland or Lincoln tunnels into Manhattan’s central business district.
Some toll structures have been built and installed in Manhattan.
This proposal has met with opposition and is currently being challenged in court by New Jersey officials and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, alongside the city teacher’s union.