The Daily News reported over the weekend that City Hall was “actively considering” East River bridge tolls.  The report cited city government sources.

Advocates for East River bridge tolls have estimated that if the issue had life, it would become more prominently discussed after this fall’s election. 

It’s unclear whether city government has done much detailed analysis yet of toll policy options and implementation issues. Even with minimal political delays, it could take up to two years to put tolls in place.

Television news coverage that followed the News report followed predictable and painfully obvious patterns.  Reporters asked drivers whether they wanted to pay new tolls, or interviewed Brooklyn Borough President Markowitz, a toll foe.

They generally failed to discuss potential congestion relief benefits of tolls, of the fact that very few “working stiffs” car commute into Manhattan or the July opinion survey that showed New Yorkers in every borough supporting new bridge tolls over a fare increase or tax hike (MTR #375).

Further information on bridge tolls: www.bridgetolls.org

Poll: Two to One, New Yorkers Prefer East River Tolls Over Fare Increase (July 22, 2002)

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

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