Early Sunday morning, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey became the second toll agency in the region to begin varying the amount drivers pay by time of day to reduce congestion during rush hour. Combined with the New Jersey Turnpike pricing program initiated last September, the inauguration of the Port Authority's new toll structure makes the New York City region far and away the variable road pricing capital of North America and a major center of congestion management innovation world-wide.

Under the Port Authority's new toll plan, non-commercial cash payers saw a $2 overnight increase in tolls from $4 to $6. Drivers who pay electronically receive a $1 discount during peak traffic hours. Off-peak, E-ZPass users pay only $4, a 40¢ increase over a previously discounted $3.60 toll.  Single-ride fares on the PATH train also increased from $1.00 to $1.50. New 11-ride, 20-ride, and 40-ride discount fare cards reduce the hike for frequent users to $1.36 and $1.20. As a result of the fare and toll discounts, the PA expects overall electronic payment on the crossings to grow by 15% to at least 75% by the end of the year and that PATH fare card usage will eventually double to 80% of all riders.

The New Port Authority Tolls Hudson  River Crossings   Auto with E-ZPass  Auto Cash Truck Per Axle  with E-ZPass Truck Per  Axle,Cash Off-Peak Peak $4 $5   $6 12-6am Off-Peak Peak    $3.50 $5 $6    $7

Accounts available early Monday morning indicate that in the main the transition to the new toll prices was fairly smooth. Rushhour delays at the bridges and tunnels were reported as roughly twenty-five minutes, a level of backup frequently encountered by commuters.

The agency prepared bi-state residents for the change-by printing off millions of E-ZPass and Quickcard brochures, posting signs in PATH stations and toll plazas, and running advertisements about the changes and available discounts on a dozen popular metro area radio stations throughout the past week.

The Port Authority should reinforce the potential for savings in driving off-peak by displaying the toll about to be paid on message signs at toll booths and by providing a peak/off-peak column and total savings on monthly E-ZPass bills.