3 Keys to Split Tolling on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge

Press Release

Congressman Max Rose announced a major agreement to bring split tolling to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge yesterday with Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman Pat Foye at the Fort Wadsworth Visitor's Center on Staten Island. Split tolling would cut the current fares in half to be paid in both directions, leading to less congestion from out-of-state toll shoppers while increasing revenue to fund Staten Island and South Brooklyn transportation investments.

"We're here to announce that, after more than 25 years of effort, Representatives Nadler, Velázquez, and I have reached an agreement to reimplement split tolling on the Verrazzano bridge--so instead of $19 one way and nothing the other, the toll will be split and paid evenly in both directions, with all local resident discounts staying in place," said Rose at yesterday's press conference. "This split tolling will allow us to address serious issues we face every day in the city--and all without commuters paying another cent. Because if there's one thing my constituents don't need, it's higher tolls. … By bringing back split tolling, we're going to see traffic improvements on Staten Island highways and roadways. By eliminating the incentive to toll-shop through Manhattan or avoid paying their fair share by driving through Staten Island, the MTA will see revenues increase, which can be used to fund capital projects that will improve Staten Islanders' commutes around the city."

"Now going forward, which is important to all of us and especially in the conversations I've had with Congressman Rose, what's ahead: in the 2020-2024 Capital Plan, which revenue from split tolling will help support, we also plan to make additional major upgrades," said MTA Chair Foye at yesterday's press conference. "We anticipate these will include, first we're in the shadow Verrazzano bridge, so let's talk about the bridge. Major upgrades to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge including continuing the reconstruction of the upper level, repairing the lower level main span deck, repairing steel and concrete, and replacing the lower deck and lower deck and under deck access. Second, improving accessibility to the Staten Island Railroad by providing accessibility upgrades to an additional three stations, as well as replacing miles of rail for a smoother ride. Buying new buses for our bus fleet on Staten Island with amenities like digital screens, WiFi and charging ports. And additional classic infrastructure, additional substations, power, and maintenance facilities to keep the railways and buses moving. And there will be plenty more. We have lots of exciting developments happening right now and in the works on Staten Island right now, and split tolling can help make them a reality."

Three Keys to Split Tolling on the Verrazzano:

Commuters won't pay a cent more as the one-way toll will be split in half to be paid in both directions, with all resident and EZ Pass discounts remaining.
Reduce congestion on the Staten Island Expressway by eliminating the free ride across the Verrazzano-Narrows-Bridge that out-of-state trucks and passengers used to go through New York City without paying their fair share.
Increase transportation investments on Staten Island and in South Brooklyn. It is estimated that by cutting down on the toll evaders, this would raise $10-15 million in revenue per year. The MTA has committed to prioritize and increase investments on Staten Island and South Brooklyn in the upcoming 2020-2024 Capital Plan.
Currently, the Verrazzano-Narrows-Bridge is the only bridge in the country with federally mandated one-way tolling, first instituted in the 1980s to cut down on traffic backups from toll gantries. With modern day electronic tolling technology, the need for one-way tolling no longer exists--and by cutting out the loophole that drivers use to avoid paying or minimize the costs of tolls, enacting split tolling would cut down on congestion and pollution on Staten Island and could lead to $10 to $15 million in additional annual MTA revenue.

Both the MTA and independent consultants have found that split tolling eliminates incentives for non-commuters to toll-shop around New York City, reducing traffic congestion in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn. Air quality will also be improved as vehicles will divert away from local roads onto main thoroughfares and highways.

The 2020-2024 MTA capital plan will be released in October of this year and will detail capital investments being made across the MTA's entire service area. The plan will be reviewed by the Capital Plan Review Board and voted on by the MTA Board.

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