AAA Sues To Stop Port Authority Toll Hikes
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The AAA has gone to federal court, trying to roll back the Port Authority hikes that will make the toll $15 cash by 2015.
In September, an independent audit said the toll hikes were necessary to maintain the Port Authority's transportation infrastructure, including maintenance on bridges, roads and tunnels, and to fund capital projects.
WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reports
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But as WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported, the AAA said the toll hikes were enacted in a rapid process with little opportunity for public input.
"It was without precedent that the Port Authority passed five toll increases in one fell swoop, and via a process that was rushed with public hearings all in one day," said AAA New York manager Robert Sinclair.
Sinclair said motorists are already suffering high tolls on Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Metropolitan Transportation Authority facilities, as well as on the New York State Thruway and the New Jersey Turnpike, not to mention the highest gas taxes in the country.
He said some drivers are near the breaking point.
Beginning at 3 a.m. Sunday, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is raising the tolls at its crossings as an increment toward . During peak hours, they will increase to $13 in cash, up from $12 on the George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing.
Drivers with E-ZPass will pay $10.25 during peak hours, up from $9.50.
Do you think the toll hikes should be stopped? Please leave your comments below...
