Rebates Will Be Applied For All Tolls Paid Since April 1
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senator Andrew Lanza and Assemblyman Mike Cusick today announced that implementation of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge toll relief has been completed. Commercial and business carriers will begin seeing 20 percent toll rebates tolls posted to their accounts beginning this week. This toll relief package reduces tolls for commercial vehicles that make more than ten trips over the bridge per month using E-ZPass tags from the same New York Customer Service Center (NYCSC) account. All eligible tolls paid on or after April 1 will be rebated.
Toll relief for Staten Island residents enrolled in the E-ZPass resident discount program began in late April, with trips also being rebated to April 1.
“The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is tremendously important to Staten Island’s economy, and by delivering this toll relief we are unlocking the potential of the region’s businesses,” Governor Cuomo said. “We believe this will have a significant impact on companies that use the Bridge for business, and we hope it will attract new businesses and opportunities to Staten Island as well.”
Senator Andrew Lanza said, "Working with Governor Cuomo and Assemblyman Cusick we've been able to lower tolls for Staten Islanders to the lowest level, adjusted for inflation, in 40 years. By working together we've accomplished what everyone said couldn't be done and have delivered real relief to Staten Island families and businesses."
Assemblyman Michael Cusick said, “The Verrazano bridge toll relief discount plan we enacted earlier in the year has already proven beneficial to Staten Island residents. Today the final phase of the measure goes into effect for commercial vehicles giving businesses a 20% reduction after 10 trips over the bridge. As the highest tolled county in the entire nation, these discounts will help to put money back in the pockets of hard working Staten Islanders. This business discount is vital to the small businesses throughout the metropolitan and coupled with the resident discount ensures that there is significant toll relief for Staten Islanders. It was a pleasure working with Governor Cuomo and and Senator Lanza to make this plan a reality.”
Owners of commercial vehicles do not have to sign up to obtain toll relief rebates. The rebate is automatically given to any commercial vehicle making more than ten trips per month across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, using the same NYCSC E-ZPass account.
Commercial vehicles meeting the criteria will have their tolls discounted 20 percent, as listed in this chart:
2 axle | Current: $19.24 | Discounted: $15.43 |
3 axle | Current: $31.52 | Discounted: $25.29 |
4 axle | Current: $40.28 | Discounted: $32.31 |
5 axle | Current: $52.52 | Discounted: $42.13 |
6 axle | Current: $61.28 | Discounted: $49.16 |
7 axle | Current: $73.52 | Discounted: $58.98 |
Staten Island residents, who sign up and are verified for the Staten Island resident discount, pay an effective toll rate of $5.50 for each westbound trip. The toll is only collected in the Staten Island-bound (westbound) direction. Prior to toll relief rates taking effect, Staten Island residents with three or more trips across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in a month paid $6.00. More than 91 percent of NYCSC E-ZPass accounts with Staten Island addresses are enrolled in the resident discount program.
More information can be found at the MTA Bridges and Tunnels home page here or by calling the E-ZPass NYCSC at 1-800-333-TOLL.
The current passenger car toll over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge for non-Staten Island residents is $10.66 with an E-ZPass issued by the NYCSC and $15 cash. The current base toll for trucks at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is $19.24 with a NYCSC E-ZPass and $30 cash.
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is only tolled in the Staten Island-bound direction in accordance with federal law; no toll is collected for drivers heading to Brooklyn.
Built in 1964 with a span of 9,865 feet, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in North America and carries approximately 183,000 vehicles on an average weekday. Almost 87 percent of drivers crossing the bridge use E-ZPass.
Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leader Jeffrey D. Klein said, “This much needed toll relief for both our commercial drivers and residents comes not a moment too soon. Making it more affordable to live, work and do business throughout New York City is a win-win for our working families and our city's economy.”
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, “Together with my colleagues, Assembly members Michael Cusick and Matthew Titone, the Assembly has worked long and hard to reduce the burden of high tolls on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. This span is a critical link between Staten Island and Brooklyn for the nearly 200,000 who travel across each day, and the cost of tolls is yet another hardship for working families and small business owners. I commend Governor Cuomo for his efforts and I am so pleased that we have been able work together to bring about badly needed toll relief for Staten Island residents and businesses.”
Senator Diane Savino said, "This historic commercial discount, the first of its kind in New York State, is a result of the bipartisan leadership of my colleagues Senator Andrew Lanza and Assemblyman Michael Cusick; I want to thank them for once again helping me to curb the MTA's oppressive toll system, this time for businesses everywhere."
Assemblyman Matthew Titone said, “Once again Governor Cuomo has acted on his commitment to ease the toll burden affecting Staten Island. With commercial toll relief, not only is New York open for business but Staten Island as well.”
Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis said, “This toll deal for commercial vehicles is key, not only for Staten Island, but to our state's resurgence as an economic power. When we talk about the increased cost of doing business, tolls are a prime example. The exorbitant cost to use the Verrazano Bridge, our sole connection to the rest of New York City and New York State, has been a tremendous burden on Staten Island businesses and their ability to grow and create jobs. Locally, toll relief has been a priority for community leaders, business owners and residents and I'm proud that, working with Governor Cuomo, we've been able to deliver this much-needed and long-awaited relief."
Assemblyman Joseph Borelli said, “This is a step in the right direction, and a victory for small businesses on Staten Island. Reducing the toll burden has a direct effect on the feasibility of starting or maintaining a business in Richmond County, and these are the enterprises that are driving our economy.”
Staten Island Borough President James Oddo said, “The Verrazano Bridge is the main artery into Staten Island. As such, it’s imperative that commercial vehicles can access the people and businesses on Staten Island. This toll relief is essential for thriving and budding small businesses and to keep the Island a viable option for growing industries here.”
Linda Barran, President & CEO, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce said, “The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Governor Cuomo for listening to the voices of the Staten Island business community and implementing this one-of-a-kind discount. For too long, Staten Island’s small business owners have shouldered a disproportionate percentage of New York’s toll burden. With this discount, business owners will be able to compete regionally, and focus their dollars on growing the economy and creating jobs. This is a great first step towards a fairer and more equitable toll and transportation system.”
