NEW DISCOUNT CARD FOR COMMUTERS ON FIXED INCOMES WHO NEED TO CROSS TZ BRIDGE RECOMMENDED
TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE TOLLS COULD INCREASE TO $14- MAKING COMMUTE UNAFFORDABLE FOR MANY UNLESS THERE ARE BIG DISCOUNTS FOR THE WORKING POOR
FEINER CALLS FOR SUMMIT OF ELECTED OFFICIALS FROM AROUND WESTCHESTER/ROCKLAND TO DISCUSS TOLLS
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner is calling for a summit of elected officials from Westchester/Rockland to discuss the projected toll rate hikes once the new Tappan Zee bridge is built. The state is now estimating that tolls on the Tappan Zee bridge could jump to close to $14 in December 2014. Tolls are expected to almost triple from the current amount. There would be discounts for commuters who would pay in the neighborhood of $8.40 to cross the 3 mile span.
The Tappan Zee bridge should not be a bridge for only the rich, said Feiner. The projected increases are excessive –especially without bus or mass transit. This will be a tremendous burden for lower income residents of both counties, for seniors and young people. The state would set the income guidelines to qualify. The Tappan Zee bridge projected toll hikes make the bridge unaffordable for many.
A possible suggestion (in addition to lobbying for mass transit/bus service)….a new discount card for commuters who are on fixed incomes. A photo id card could be issued to those who qualify. They would show the card to toll collectors and pay the reduced fares.
Westchester/Rockland residents currently subsidize Buffalo residents who receive a significant discount on the Grand Island bridge. Grand Island residents pay 9 cents to cross the bridge. Non residents pay $1 per trip. Why does the Thruway Authority give residents of the Buffalo area a big discount on their local bridge and not do the same for residents of Westchester/Rockland?
Feiner is planning to write to the Governor, the Westchester/Rockland delegation to the NYS Legislature and to local officials requesting a meeting.
Paul Feiner
914 438 1343