Drivers crossing the George Washington Bridge will now go through an electronic tolling system over the Hudson River. For cars with E-ZPass, it will be business as usual. As of July 10, vehicles without E-ZPass will have their license plates photographed by overhead cameras and a bill sent in the mail.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says the change is intended to ease congestion at the bridge, the busiest of the Hudson River crossings. But the booth removal also means the end of a carpool discount used by commuters because there won’t be anyone there to count passengers and determine if cars are eligible. This drew criticism from some of New Jersey’s congressional members, who say it’s yet another expense hitting residents.
The Lincoln Tunnel is the only remaining Hudson River crossing where cash is accepted but that too will change later this year.
