MTR 289, PA Considers Toll Increase, Goethals Twin

Issue 289

October 9, 2000

PA Considers Toll Increase, Goethals Twin

The Star-Ledger reported last weekend that draft Port Authority documents it had obtained called for fare and toll increases by 2003. The hikes would support a multi-year capital program of up to $9 billion. The PA's list of big projects includes new cars and signals for the PATH system, parking and terminal expansion at Newark airport, terminal renovations at LaGuardia and JFK airports, expanding Howland Hook and Port Reading marine terminals and a Howland Hook-NJ rail connection.

Unfortunately, the list still includes twinning the I-278 Goethals Bridge, a highway expansion project that has faced strong opposition in both Staten Island and the Elizabeth area since the early 1990s, and stands little political chance of proceeding.

The PA plan also reportedly calls on Port Authority commissioners to consider contributing $1 billion toward several large potential multi-agency projects, including the "Access to the Region's Core" rail passenger rail tunnel proposals that would add tunnel capacity between NJ and Penn Station NY, and possibly connect Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. Other projects in the list are a cross-harbor rail freight tunnel and extending the Hudson-Bergen light rail project to Staten Island.

The Star-Ledger suggested the PA may try to get toll and fare hikes behind it before Governor Whitman's final term ends next year.

The new capital program and financing plan were ordered by Governors Whitman and Pataki in late May when they ended months of deadlock over Port Authority priorities. The final capital plan is due before the end of 2000 (MTR #272).