Port Authority Looks for Fare Hikes

New York, NY —

First it was the MTA. Now it's the Port Authority looking for a toll and train fare hike. WNYC's Bob Hennelly reports on how these hikes could factor into the Mayor's Congestion pricing plan.

By the numbers the Port Authority's two dollar toll hike would charge each vehicle eight dollars to cross the Hudson. On paper that would squeeze out the two dollar charge the Mayor's congestion plan wanted dibs on.

Booster's of the Mayor's plan say 'not to worry' because they believe car driving commuters are still getting off cheap at eight dollars and could afford an additional congestion fee. Meanwhile both the MTA and the Port Authority have ambitious capital construction plans that continue to go up in price.

They both must also find hundreds of millions of dollars to harden their facilities from potential terrorist attack. With government budgets already tight and getting tighter riders and drivers will all feel it. For WNYC I am Bob Hennelly