Exempts Staten Island residents from Verrazzano-Narrows bridge tolls; directs the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to create applications for such exemptions.
Summary
Bill S03520 proposes to amend the public authorities law to exempt residents of Staten Island from tolls on the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge. The exemption is applicable only to personal vehicles using a New York customer service E-ZPass account and does not extend to vehicles used for commercial purposes. The bill outlines that the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority will be responsible for creating an application process for residents to apply for this toll exemption.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the tolling structure for Staten Island residents, potentially reducing their commuting costs. It would require adjustments to the existing toll collection system and may impact the revenue generated from the bridge tolls, which could have implications for funding related to bridge maintenance and operations. The bill also necessitates the establishment of a new application process by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, which may involve additional administrative resources.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S03520 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the exemption is a long-overdue benefit for Staten Island residents, who often face higher commuting costs due to their geographic location. However, there may be concerns from other stakeholders regarding the potential loss of toll revenue and the fairness of providing such exemptions, particularly for residents of other boroughs who also use the bridge.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the fairness of toll exemptions for Staten Island residents compared to residents of other boroughs, as well as concerns about the financial implications for the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. Some lawmakers and community members may argue that all New Yorkers should contribute equally to toll costs, while others emphasize the unique challenges faced by Staten Island residents.
Same As
Exempts Staten Island residents from Verrazzano-Narrows bridge tolls; directs the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to create applications for such exemptions.
Exempts Staten Island residents from Verrazzano-Narrows bridge tolls; directs the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to create applications for such exemptions.
Exempts Staten Island residents from Verrazzano-Narrows bridge tolls; directs the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to create applications for such exemptions.
Exempts military members based at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, New York and Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, New York on active duty who reside in NYC from the payment of E-ZPass tolls associated with the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Directs the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to establish a reduced toll on the Verrazano-Narrows bridge for residents of the county of Kings using a personal vehicle of seventy per centum of the regular crossing fare imposed.
Authorizes the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to exempt certain residents of the central business district from the central business district toll.
Directs the Department of Transportation, the Bridge Authority, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel authority, the Thruway authority, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to each conduct a study of certain bridges spanning bodies of water connected to deep water ports in the state to determine whether such bridges have the structural integrity to withstand an impact from large vessels such as cargo ships, oil tankers and cruise ships; requires a report and recommendations; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.
Directs the Department of Transportation, the Bridge Authority, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel authority, the Thruway authority, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to each conduct a study of certain bridges spanning bodies of water connected to deep water ports in the state to determine whether such bridges have the structural integrity to withstand an impact from large vessels such as cargo ships, oil tankers and cruise ships; requires a report and recommendations; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.
Directs revenues from tolls collected on the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge to be applied to expansion of bus rapid transit and high-occupancy vehicle lanes in the borough of Staten Island.
Directs the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority to implement a toll discount plan for residents of Orange, Rockland, Dutchess and Putnam counties who commute to work in the city of New York while the central business district tolling program is in effect; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.