Senate Passes Verrazzano Toll Discount for Brooklynites

The New York state Senate has passed a bill to give Brooklynites a break on the steep toll for the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

The bill, which passed the Senate 55-3 on Thursday, gives Brooklyn residents making at least 10 trips in a month across the Verrazzano with an E-Z Pass account the same discounted price that Staten Island residents currently have  – $5.50 (though that discount for Staten Islanders kicks in when they make just three trips a month with E-ZPass).

The discount would only apply to non-commercial vehicles.

The current toll for non-Staten Islanders is $12.24 with E-ZPass and $19 without.

“For the thousands of Brooklyn residents who rely on the bridge for travel to work, school and medical appointments, these outrageous rates are unaffordable, unacceptable, and highlight the gross inequities of New York’s transit system,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Andrew Gounardes. “New York City should be known for pizza, bagels, and baseball. Not the most expensive toll bridge in the country.”

“New Yorkers continue to be over-fined, over-ticketed, and over-tolled; it is not surprising the Verrazzano Bridge has the highest toll in the country,” said state Sen. Simcha Felder. “This bill is the least we can do to make their exorbitant commuting cost somewhat less expensive.”

The bill still must pass the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblywoman Mathylde Frontus.

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rborchardt@hamodia.com