Port Authority Increases to come

On Friday (August 5), the Port Authority released a proposal for toll and fare increases. It stated that it was faced with three challenges at once: (1) a historic economic recession that has sharply decreased revenue below projections, (2) steep increases in post-9/11 security costs, which have nearly tripled, and the overall cost of the WTC rebuilding, and (3) the need for the largest overhaul of facilities in the agency's 90-year history.

They have proposed a two-phase toll and fare increase to fully fund a $33 billion ten-year capital plan, which will generate 167,000 jobs. The agency's proposed toll structure, which would be adjusted in September 2011 and in 2014, focusing on the greatest increase on cash users and trucks that cause the most traffic congestion and wear and tear. In addition, the agency proposes raising the PATH fare in September 2011.

Here's a breakdown:
- Tolls for autos using E-ZPass on the Port Authority's crossings to increase from $6 to $10 roundtrip for off-peak travel and from $8 to $12 in peak hours. An additional $2 increase during peak and off-peak hours will be implemented in 2014.

- A cash toll surcharge of $3 to increase the cash rate from $8 to $15 in 2011 for the 25 percent of toll-payers who still use the optional cash system, similar to the MTA. The surcharge is expected to increase the E-ZPass market share to approximately 85 percent, which will reduce travel delays during the peak of traffic congestion by 10 to-20 minutes. The surcharge will increase by an additional $2 in 2014.

- Truck tolls per axle using E-ZPass off-peak to increase from $7 to $13 roundtrip and peak from $8 to $14, with an additional $2 per-axle-increase in 2014 for both off-peak and peak hours. A similar cash surcharge of $3 per axle will be applied to trucks in 2011 that continue to use the optional cash system with an additional $2 per axle in 2014. Discounts will be given to those that travel from - The base PATH fare would increase from $1.75 to $2.75 in 2011, with the average fare increasing to $2.10 from $1.30 given the steep 25 percent discount, which will be fully preserved. The 30-day unlimited pass will increase to $89 from $54.

Before the Board considers a toll/fare plan on August 19th, the agency will have public hearings. Here are those that are nearby:

Newark Liberty International Airport
1 Conrad Road, Building 157, Bay 3
Newark, NJ 07114
973-961-6161
8 a.m.

Port Authority Technical Center
241 Erie Street, Room 212
Jersey City, NJ 07310
201-216-2700
8 a.m.

Holland Tunnel Administration Building,
13th Street & Provost Street
Conference Room
Jersey City, NJ 07310
201-360-5021
6 p.m.