Higher Tolls Take Effect At Hudson River Bridges, Tunnels

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Motorists are now paying more money to cross the bridges and tunnels between New Jersey and New York.

The last of five annual toll increases took effect early Sunday.

That means cash-paying customers will now pay $15 during peak periods, up from $8 four years ago. E-ZPass motorists will pay $12.50 during peak hours and $10.50 during off-peak hours.

For the first time, tractor-trailers will pay more than $100 in the cash lane. That toll is rising by $10 to $105 for five-axle trucks. Six-axle trucks will have to hand over $126.

Since 2011, traffic on the Port Authority's bridges and tunnels has continued a slow downward trend that began last decade. Officials are concerned about the agency's ability to pay for numerous large projects, including a new bus terminal in New York City.

Port Authority Chairman John Degnan says the agency isn't likely to raise tolls again anytime soon. Degnan says he's looking closely at how to get revenue from the agency's real estate holdings.

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