Grimm slams MTA over Verrazano-Narrows Bridge toll hike
A lawmaker who has constituents on both sides of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge blasted the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board’s vote to raise the toll to $15.00.
Calling Wednesday’s MTA vote “an outrage,” U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm (R-Brooklyn-Staten Island) said the toll increase is a blow to families and businesses still trying to recover from Super-storm Sandy.
“Staten Island residents with family members in Brooklyn and Brooklynites with families in Staten Island, have already cut back visits on account of the tolls, and this hike will make those visits even fewer. This rings true for seniors on a fixed income who may simply want to cross the bridge to have lunch with their children or grandchildren. The tolls will make them think twice,” Grimm said.
The MTA board voted Dec. 19 to raise tolls on area bridges and tunnels. The board also voted to increase bus and subway fares.