Senator Golden, Assemblyman Brook-Krasny, Assemblywoman Malliotakis Renew Call for Discount Plan for Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

Brooklyn, NY – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), ahead of the toll and fare increases set to go into effect in March, joined with Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny (D-WF, Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-C-I, Brooklyn/Staten Island) to renew their calls for a discount plan for those who drive across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge 3 or more times a month.

The 3 elected officials are calling for a 58% discount from the soon to be $16 cash price, to be applied to EZ-Pass holders who travel over the bridge 3 or more times in a month. This discount is identical to the discount plan currently in place for the Port Authority Bridges connecting Staten Island and New Jersey, giving both precedent for a discount of this nature and statistical data based on the current plan on the PA crossing.

“The MTA has once again decided to balance their books on our backs, raising fare and tolls, again. $16 a day to get to work, or school, or visit a loved one, is, quite literally, highway robbery,” said Senator Golden. “This proposal is fair, fiscally sound, and has been in use on other crossings in our area. The time for this type of discount plan was yesterday, so I urge the MTA, and my colleagues in government, to enact this plan as soon as possible.”

“No one should have to pay $16 to travel from one borough to another in the city in which they live. The MTA should follow lead of Port Authority and institute a multi-trip discount on the Verrazano Bridge for residents who use the crossing regularly to work, attend school, or visit friends and family," said Malliotakis. "We need Brooklyn residents to join us in this fight and help send a clear message to the MTA by signing our petition at www.TheTollsAreTooDamnHigh.com."

"I join Senator Golden and my colleagues in calling upon the MTA to seriously consider this proposal of enacting what the Port Authority has in effect on its bridges of a reduced fare for three trips in one month over the Verrazano Bridge,” said Assemblyman Brook-Krasny. “It's a fair proposal and will do a great deal to ease the financial burden which has been placed upon the residents of Bay Ridge & Dyker Heights. I will work with my colleagues to ensure that this proposal is enacted."

All 3 elected officials are asking for residents across the city to visit www.thetolllsaretoodamnhigh.com and sign a petition showing support this plan. They are also urging residents to call their local elected officials, and the MTA, and ask them to sign on.