Makes provisions on imposition of surcharges on certain bridges and tunnels

BILL NUMBER:S2673

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the imposition of tolls and surcharges for certain bridges and tunnels

Summary

This legislation amends the public authorities law by adding a new section 553-h-1 to prohibit an increase in the toll surcharge on all bridges and tunnels operated by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA).

Justification

During these times of recession, an increase in a surcharge in tolls is forcing the middle class to leave the city. It is economically unwise to force the working people of the city, the backbone of our economy to relocate. Furthermore, the increased tolls (tax) collected from these same people, would be used by the MTA. The MTA justifies this increase as a method to help rectify the budgetary problems and prevent a fare increase. This argument avoids the real issue. The current apportionment of TBTA toll funds favors the commuter rail lines which operate with a monetary surplus each year. This allocation formula operates at the direct expense of the MTA subways and buses which need the most work and operate at a financial defeat. This situation is compounded in its unfairness by the fact that most of these funds are used to support rail systems that provide almost no service to city residents. Therefore, the real issue is the funding formula of excess TBTA tolls. This bill reallocates those funds and gives the NYC MTA its fair share, while holding back toll increases. Automobile owners already pay high registration fees and taxes on gasoline in addition to the many taxes they pay for the privilege of living in our city. While these burdens increase, there seems to be no reciprocal increase in available services. For many, mass transit is not a viable option, and they must rely on their cars. To increase tolls on these facilities is unfair punishment to the middle class who regularly must bear the brunt of our government's failures. Levying unnecessary taxes on this group of New Yorkers will eventually lead them to leave our city, further compounding our fiscal peril. The government should work to reverse this trend, not to contribute to it.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.