Port Authority Toll Hikes: What Do You Think?

A couple of weeks ago, I drove into New York to pick up a childhood friend who had taken a bus into the city for a visit. By the time I'd driven us back to New Jersey, then back into Manhattan for her trip home, then left the city myself, I'd spent enough on tolls and crossings to take us out to dinner. 

Sure, we have to pay for transportation. But the drive always leaves me with the same feeling of being squeezed simply for the privilege of sitting in traffic – and it could get worse.

Last week, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey proposed raising tolls by $4 next month on the George Washington Bridge and the Lincoln and Holland tunnels, and increasing fares on the PATH train by $1 and raise tolls on cars an additional $2 in 2014.

Reports say Gov. Chris Christie's reaction to the proposed hike was "You're kidding, right?"

But a veto isn't a sure bet. According to the Asbury Park Press' Bob Ingle, Christie has said blocking the toll hike could lead to stopped projects and lost jobs.

Others, like the authors of this editorial in the Star-Ledger, say Christie's jumping at the chance to act the hero with a prefab compromise.

And in a recent statement, pro-public transporation nonprofit the Tri-State Transportation Campaign said blame for the toll and fare increases can be laid directly at the governor's feet, saying he's been using the Port Authority as "a piggy bank."

What do you think? Would upping the cost of a ride into Manhattan curb your visits there? Is there a better way to fund transportation projects – like replacing our crumbling bridges and other infrastructure – beyond "sticking it to commuters"?

Tell us in the comments below.