Port Authority Discusses Fare, Toll Increases

New York, NY —

The Port Authority wants to raise tolls on Hudson River bridges and increase fares on the PATH. The extra revenue would help build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson. WNYC's Bob Hennelly has more.

Under the proposal before the Port Authority commissioners, tolls on Hudson River crossings will jump from $6 to $8. In a nod to congestion pricing advocates, only off-peak drivers will get a $2 discount for using EZ Pass. Under the agency's revenue-raising plan, fares on its PATH train line will go from $1.50 to $2.

This is the first toll and fare hike since 2001. Officials say that post-September 11th security costs now run the Port Authority an additional $650 million annually. The public will have a chance to weigh in during a series of hearings still to be scheduled. Both Governors Corzine and Spitzer have to sign off for the hikes to take effect.

Officials at the Port Authority say that if approved, the increases wouldn't take effect until early next year.