NYC Deputy Mayor Marc Shaw told the New York Post last week that that the Bloomberg administration may consider leasing East River bridges to the MTA as an option to bring tolls to the free Queensboro, Williamsburg, Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges.The MTA now collects tolls at seven other major bridges and tunnels in New York City.

Any such deal should require the MTA to re-think one of its toll-collection policies. While the E-ZPass technology used around the region can collect tolls from cars traveling at highway speeds (and is being used in this way at several points in New Jersey), the MTA insists on retaining drop down gates and imposing a full stop on all toll-paying vehicles.

The rub is that many advocates of East River tolls believe it will only be possible to sell the policy if it promises non-stop tolling and does away with the construction of anything resembling a major toll plaza.Indeed, one of the favorite “flaws” cited by toll opponents is the specter of toll booths and attendant back-ups on Flatbush Avenue, Queens Boulevard and other East River approaches.

Opinion-Makers Support East River Tolls (Feb. 25, 2002)

Bloomberg Toys With Variable Tolls (Feb. 18, 2002)

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