Verrazano Bridge toll may jump to $16

Drivers could soon be facing a painful $ 16 cash toll to make the journey from Brooklyn to Staten Island.

MTA officials are considering yet another hike on the Verrazano Bridge that would make it one of the highest fees for a crossing in the country.

The proposal will be voted on by the MTA board in January. The board could choose an alternative that would sock only truckers with the toll hikes.

If car drivers are hit with an increase, rates for most E-ZPass users who live outside of Staten Island would go from $ 10.66 to $ 11.08 for the Verrazano.

Staten Island residents who use an E-ZPass more than twice a month would see increases from $ 6 to $ 6.24.

“Every chance they get, they squeeze us for another nickel,” said Frank Duffy, 39, of Staten Island. “Every chance they get!”

The MTA may also raise the tolls for East River crossings such as the RFK/Triborough Bridge and the Queens-Midtown Tunnel if the board approves the rate increase for cars. Most E-ZPass users would see the toll on those crossings go up from $ 5.33 to $ 5.54, while the cash fee would increase 50 cents to $ 8.

Board member Allen Cappelli of Staten Island said he would oppose any hikes and wants tolls added to most free East River crossings and have rates cut on MTA crossings.

“I will not vote for an increase in tolls, which are already too high until a system is implemented to spread the burden fairly on drivers throughout the entire region,” Cappelli said.

The Verrazano Bridge is currently $ 15 for westbound trips.

Staten Islanders said they hoped lawmakers would fight any price jumps.

“They keep saying how they want to bring tourists here,” said Paul Bruno, 37. “The toll is a major deterrent to any potential visitors with a car.”

Board members will also vote on whether to raise fares by 2 percent to 6 percent on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North, although the increase on lines will vary.

Weekend Metro-North and LIRR trips within city limits would go up by a quarter, the MTA added.

The MTA is also considering raising subway and bus prices to $ 2.75, up from $ 2.50.

Riders can share their feelings about the proposed hikes at eight hearings the MTA will hold between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9.

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