The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey board has unanimously approved a revised series of Hudson River toll and fare hikes as outlined August 18 by NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo and NJ Gov. Chris Christie. Under the new plan, which is pending a comprehensive review of the PA's capital plan and operations, tolls and fares would still rise but not as steeply as in the initial proposal that critics charged was excessive.

Increases under the new plan include $1.50 E-Z Pass hike next month with a $0.75 increase in December each year from 2012-2015, for a total boost of $4.50 over five years. The initial proposal was for $6 over four years.

The initial proposal drew heated responses in a series of hearings in both states earlier this week. The PA, however, says that more than 60 labor, business and civic groups, including construction and engineering organizations, backed the plan.