Why do some NYC-area bridges, tunnels, & highways charge tolls (and often high tolls) yet others never charge ANY tolls? (New York: rental car, appointed)
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I think initially they need the money to reimburse the cost of building the bridge and tunnel. However, as time goes on, eventually they will be able to get all those money back. I would say is fairly a way to generate revenue for the city and the state. That's just my thought.
Second- the toll booths do cause backup and traffic, and frankly should all be done away with and move to camera/plate tolling in the near future. At that time will they try to toll the east river bridges again, I'm sure- but it requires state intervention who will likely say no.
Third- 80% of the MTA TBTA tolls subsidize NYCT. The toll collection costs have minimized since EZ Pass and bridge maintenance has increased steadily- but as have all things- bridge tolls should be going down or staying the same as subway fares should rise- but it's not in the interest of the powers that be to lose that 'EZ-money".
The technology already exist to do a seamless transfer to camera/plate tolling, however, neither the political will nor funding exists to do so.
For example, Connecticut prohibits NYS from tolling their drivers through their license plates. The Connecticut DMV will simply refuse to go after drivers who do not pay tolls in NY state. That is part of the reason NY will not implement this kind of tolling. Given the amount of Connecticut license plates in the city, it would be a huge loss of revenue to switch from EZ-pass/toll-booths to camera enforcement.
Your third point is a flat out lie/myth. Tolls generated from the MTA's Tunnel and Bridge authority account for about 8% of the MTA's revenue. At same time, maintenance and operation of Tunnels and bridges account for about 6/7% of the MTA's total expense. That means almost all the money made from tolls goes right back into operating and maintaining the bridges and tunnels. That 1% difference is not subsidizing NYCT.
To answer the OP's question. Bridges and tunnels under the control of the MTA, are tolled, because the state allows the agency to charge tolls to maintain them. Any inner-city river crossing built after the creation of the Triborough Bridge (and Tunnel) authority falls under their jurisdiction and is therefore tolled. The older bridges, like the Brooklyn, Manhattan, etc. are owned and operated by the City's DOT. The city has tried to toll them in the past, but state has refused to give them permission to do so.
Bridges and tunnels that are tolled only in one direction have a higher toll to account for the difference. That is why the Verrazano' toll is twice as high as the Whitestone's. Any bridge or tunnel that connects New York and NJ is owned and operated by the Port Authority (meaning the MTA does not see a dime from these tolls.) The Port Authority also charges a higher, one way, toll when you enter the city. This done to discourage traffic going into Manhattan (not that it works) and because Manhattan roads do not have the space for toll booths.
The technology already exist to do a seamless transfer to camera/plate tolling, however, neither the political will nor funding exists to do so.
For example, Connecticut prohibits NYS from tolling their drivers through their license plates. The Connecticut DMV will simply refuse to go after drivers who do not pay tolls in NY state. That is part of the reason NY will not implement this kind of tolling. Given the amount of Connecticut license plates in the city, it would be a huge loss of revenue to switch from EZ-pass/toll-booths to camera enforcement.
Your third point is a flat out lie/myth. Tolls generated from the MTA's Tunnel and Bridge authority account for about 8% of the MTA's revenue. At same time, maintenance and operation of Tunnels and bridges account for about 6/7% of the MTA's total expense. That means almost all the money made from tolls goes right back into operating and maintaining the bridges and tunnels. That 1% difference is not subsidizing NYCT.
I'm pretty certain every single MTA/TBTA report disagrees with you there.
2013 TBTA Income -1,645,193,000
2013 operating expenses - 409,496,000
That's a 1 billion profit.
In the last 20 years they spent 4.5 Billion in Capital Investments within the TBTA products.
Billions funneled from drivers. There is NO need for the tolls to be so high to operate these bridges.
This isn't even taking into account car registration fees STATEWIDE that subsidize the MTA.
I'm pretty certain every single MTA/TBTA report disagrees with you there.
2013 TBTA Income -1,645,193,000
2013 operating expenses - 409,496,000
That's a 1 billion profit.
In the last 20 years they spent 4.5 Billion in Capital Investments within the TBTA products.
Billions funneled from drivers. There is NO need for the tolls to be so high to operate these bridges.
This isn't even taking into account car registration fees STATEWIDE that subsidize the MTA.
To answer the OP's question. Bridges and tunnels under the control of the MTA, are tolled, because the state allows the agency to charge tolls to maintain them. Any inner-city river crossing built after the creation of the Triborough Bridge (and Tunnel) authority falls under their jurisdiction and is therefore tolled. The older bridges, like the Brooklyn, Manhattan, etc. are owned and operated by the City's DOT. The city has tried to toll them in the past, but state has refused to give them permission to do so.
Bridges and tunnels that are tolled only in one direction have a higher toll to account for the difference. That is why the Verrazano' toll is twice as high as the Whitestone's. Any bridge or tunnel that connects New York and NJ is owned and operated by the Port Authority (meaning the MTA does not see a dime from these tolls.) The Port Authority also charges a higher, one way, toll when you enter the city. This done to discourage traffic going into Manhattan (not that it works) and because Manhattan roads do not have the space for toll booths.
This is a very illuminating and informative posting that sheds useful light on these issues.
If the MTA is a crime syndicate, it's a inept one. It's losing money hand over fist.
Really, they need to double or triple the mass transit fares, so that the MTA at least breaks even.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrkoolaid
Because NYC has a crime syndicate known as the MTA that has a chokehold on its citizens
It holds them up by their ankles and shakes every dime, penny, and piece of pocket lint that may be hiding in their pants
And the politicians and the police and the law just turn there heads.. Like its not there and go harass a black man selling cigarettes and choke him to death because he's a violent criminal
For example, Connecticut prohibits NYS from tolling their drivers through their license plates. The Connecticut DMV will simply refuse to go after drivers who do not pay tolls in NY state. That is part of the reason NY will not implement this kind of tolling. Given the amount of Connecticut license plates in the city, it would be a huge loss of revenue to switch from EZ-pass/toll-booths to camera enforcement.
How true is this? Do you have a source?
For example, I know that NYS does not practice "reciprocity" with CT, meaning all the CT DMV tickets/fees/points/etc. do nothing to strike against NYS driving privileges. Does CT do this to "retaliate" against NY?
Billions funneled from drivers. There is NO need for the tolls to be so high to operate these bridges.
This isn't even taking into account car registration fees STATEWIDE that subsidize the MTA.
Including a DMV registration fee if you live in the "Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District" the MTA is a sham...
I think you're missing the point kid.
Car drivers are paying your subway fare.
Without cars, the subway would be $5 bucks a ride.
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