Starting this Sunday, drivers without a properly mounted E-ZPass will encounter increased tolls of over $4 when using Port Authority bridges and tunnels.
The newly implemented “mid-tier” toll will set a flat rate of $18.72 for vehicles entering New York City without a transponder properly affixed to their windshields. This represents an increase of $2.66 for two-axle vehicles during peak hours and a $4.66 hike during off-peak hours, as stated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The crossings impacted by this toll adjustment include the Lincoln and Holland tunnels, the George Washington Bridge, the Bayonne and Goethals bridges, and the Outerbridge Crossing.
The Port Authority noted that about 9% of drivers entering the city do so without adequately mounted E-ZPass tags and will be charged higher rates when their license plates are scanned electronically. “This new tier is designed to encourage drivers to properly mount their Tags for precise readings by the toll collection system during crossings,” the Port Authority explained in the announcement.
Officials emphasized that the new toll structure aims to cover the additional costs associated with toll processing, which includes validating license plate images and ensuring account accuracy. Despite the increases, the mid-tier toll remains more economical than the $22.38 fee assessed for vehicles not registered with E-ZPass, which will also see a $4.07 increase this Sunday, following a $0.68 rise initiated in January.
Additionally, the Port Authority has removed a 10% discount previously offered to trucking firms making more than 100 off-peak trips per month, marking another change in the toll structure.
This adjustment underscores the importance of adhering to the proper use of E-ZPass in order to avoid unnecessary charges and promote a smoother flow of traffic. By enhancing compliance with toll systems, not only can drivers save money, but it can also lead to more efficient transportation across these crucial transit routes.