Golden, Malliotakis Launch Petition for Verrazano Bridge Toll Discount Fairness

Brooklyn – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, 22nd District) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-C, 64th District), hosted a press conference this morning announcing the kick-off of grassroots efforts calling on the Metropolitan Transit Authority to authorize a multi-trip toll discount plan for Brooklyn residents traveling via the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

In 2012, the Port Authority created a bridge discount program, providing Brooklyn residents traveling over the Goethals Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing, and the Bayonne Bridge three times or more a month with a 58% discount. Senator Golden and Assemblywoman Malliotakis are asking the MTA to implement the same plan for the Verrazano toll.

The elected officials, who were joined by MTA Board Member Allen P. Cappelli, announced their petition drive launched on the website, http://www.thetollsaretoodamnhigh.com, at the Brooklyn entrance to the Verrazano Bridge.

Senator Marty Golden said, “The rising cost of the Verrazano Bridge toll has become prohibitive not only for Staten Island residents, but for Brooklyn residents as well. On a regular basis, I speak with folks who live in my district, and work in Staten Island, and we recognize the true cost this toll is having on personal finances.”

“Even though people who live in my district are going the opposite way of those who live in Staten Island, the cost is the same, and therefore, the discount should be the same. That is why I join with my colleague Assemblywoman Malliotakis in launching this petition today, and encourage people to contact our office, or go on-line, and sign this. This is the time to reduce this toll for Brooklyn and we need thousands of signatures to do so,” continued Golden.

“We were able to achieve toll relief for Staten Island because the community stood united and were vocal. The people of Brooklyn have put forth a vigorous fight thus far, but now it’s time to increase the pressure. We are asking the MTA to provide us with the same multi-trip plan the Port Authority has given us. I urge all Brooklynites to sign onto our petition and join our united front against unreasonable tolls,” said Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis.