Tolls, airport prices could rise next year
Proposal meant to offset worker wage increase
By: Danial Munoz
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Thanks to a new proposal to increase fares, tolls and purchase prices, getting into New York City and using Newark Liberty International Airport could get more expensive next year. [2025]
.....
That's thanks to a series of toll increases, a fare increase for PATH and price increases at Newark Airport proposed Thursday [11/14/2024] by the Port Authority that are meant to offset wage increases for airport workers.
..... The proposal comes on the heels of a reintroduction of the controversial congestion pricing proposal by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
..... New Jersey politicians - indulging Governor Phil Murphy and Representative Josh Gottheimer - have vowed to oppose the congestion pricing proposal, for which Hochul aims to win federal sign-off in the final days of the Biden administration.
..... The Port authority of New York and New Jersey started the process for a $1 toll increase at the Lincoln and Holland tunnels, as well as the George Washington Bridge, Bayonne and Gothals bridges and the Outerbridge Crossing. The board would have to approve the increases at a future meeting.
..... Drivers currently pay $15.38 during rush hours to use any of those rive crossings. Tolls are cheaper for those with E-Z Pass. Libby McCarthy, the bi-state agency's chief financial officer, said at the Thursday [11/14/2024] meeting.
..... Tolls would increase by 25 cents on January 5. 2025, followed by additional 25-cent increases between 2026 and 2028, in addition to automatic toll hikes based on inflation.
....
The toll increase are "necessary to address those negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on revenues and operating costs and continue to invest in the ambitious capitol agenda" of the agency," McCarthy said.
..... Meanwhile, the port Authority wants to increase PATH fares by 25 cents - the first increase since October 2014, she said.
..... But the agency is rolling out a 50%discount program for riders with disabilities starting in the summer of 2025.
..... "We have witnessed how targeted services and supports can help an individual to thrive in their community," Murphy said Thursday [11/14/2024] in a statement. "Public transportation is crucial to our disability community."
..... To support proposed higher wages for the lowest-paid airport workers, the Port authority is allowing airport concessionaires to raise their prices to a maximum of 15% higher than the local, off-airport street prices. Shops are currently capped at 10% higher than local businesses.
..... The Port authority is slated to vote on the increased minimum wage at its December 12 [2024] board meeting.
..... Agency officials said the price increase and higher wages are justified, because they would help retain talent at a time when the Port Authority is modernizing its airports.
....."Ensuring livable wages will improve worker satisfaction and increase staff retention, in turn enhancing customer service and advancing our goal of a world-class airport experience from curb to concession to gate," said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.