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While that's true, it doesn't explain why it costs less a third to cross the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge than it does the George Washington Bridge even though the Bay Bridge is a much larger bridge. It's pretty clear that there's some gouging going on on the part of the PA. The GWB is the only allowed truck access into Manhattan from the west so there's really no way around paying the toll and the PA knows it.Quote:
Originally Posted by n2ize
Maybe it's lower in GOP country (upstate) but as usual, here in the city, it's BOHICA time as the tolls are going up.
Lower them upstate, raise them in the city. Typical. Donor city, Sponge state. Why am I not surprised?Quote:
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey announced Friday that it will seek to significantly raise the tolls on Hudson River crossings and all of its bridges and tunnels.Drivers crossing the Hudson can expect to see a $4 increase on E-ZPass lanes as early as this fall, bringing the toll up to $12. The authority is also proposing an additional $2 increase for 2014.
Meanwhile, cash tolls on these crossings would soar to $15 from $7, while PATH train fares would jump by more than 50% to $2.75 a ride.
Besides the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln and Holland tunnels, Port crossings include the Bayonne and Goethals bridges and the Outerbridge Crossing, which connect Staten Island to New Jersey.
While talks of toll increases have been prevalent in recent months, the ones proposed are far higher than what was anticipated.
Cars. $14.00 by 2014. A dozen bucks this year.
Well, the folks in Philadelphia and environs will NEVER have to worry about tolls there dropping.
Interesting. I don't think I use the Hudson Bridge... or any of the other crossings you named.Quote:
Originally Posted by N2NH
Sounds like the NY-NJ Port Authority is just working to maintain an extremely high traffic rate.
Should my tolls go up on the I-90 to pay for your bridge traffic? But, remember, you don't pay a toll if you take mass transit, walk, or bicycle.
You can't bike on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. They were going to build a pedestrian-bike lane, but the winds are always at gale force there because of proximity to the ocean and the effect of the narrows. You can't bike on the other bridges or tunnels either. The only bridge that you can bike to Jersey on is the George Washington, built before they thought of limiting access to NJ/NY. There are a fair number of days that you can't even use that on a bike or walking because of hazardous conditions.Quote:
Originally Posted by KC2UGV
Interestingly, the Port Authority of NY/NJ is presided over by the governors of their respective states. When was the last time a governor thought of revenues as a local matter? I'm sure it's okay not to pay tolls on I-90 for any NYC projects, but we should always fork over our cash for the benefit ofthe stateUPstate. That's just jim-dandy.
Yeah, but you (and I) live up in Tea Party country (a/k/a Sarah Palin Land). Us upstate guys want the liberals in NYC to pay our way.Quote:
Originally Posted by KC2UGV
I don't think you're supporting my portion of the state very much. In fact, you derive most of your cheap electricity from my area.Quote:
Originally Posted by N2NH
Maybe it's time we leave NYC roads to NYC to improve? Do you pay for my roads to be maintained here? I don't think so, not on a large scale.
If you don't like the high tolls, then stop using the facilities. Plain and simple. Walk, bike, or mass transit. No tolls paid then.
The high tolls don't bother me so much. What I am furious about is the 75% tax I pay on tobacco. Every time I buy a tin of pipe tobacco from a reputable dealer, whether it be a direct purchase from a local tobacconist, or, from a quality online tobacconist I have to pay 75% tax. Fortunately I am a very light smoker so I don't purchase very often, 1 or 2 1.5 oz tins last me a year or more. Nonetheless, on an expensive quality mixture that is a hefty sum of money I give to that state just to exercise my legal right to enjoy a few puffs now and then. If I was a heavier smoker I would consider leaving the state. Bear in mind I am not opposed to paying a tax on my tobacco. But the tax should be < 50%. 75% is criminal. it's akin to a thug stealing my money.
As for NYC. They have their own anti-smoking gestapo. Roads ? I think NYC could sustain itself.
The cost of you smoking tobacco is born largely by non-smokers. How about we eliminate all taxes on tobacco, but also outlaw insurance policies covering tobacco related health issues, and forgo all tobacco subsidies.Quote:
Originally Posted by n2ize
Also, allow smokers to be sued due to injuries sustained by second-hand smoke.
You'll discover quickly the full costs of tobacco usage.
Cigarette Taxes by State
Looks like NYC residents would do well by taking the train into the first stop with a convenient to the station/bus stop store in NJ.