AAA Challenges Port Authority Of N.Y. & N.J. Over Toll Hikes

Just three days before toll and fare hikes became effective on Hudson River crossings, the New York chapter of the American Automobile Association threw down a red flag. AAA is urging the federal government to oppose the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey's increases that became effective on Sept. 18. The group argues that revenues from the hikes should not be diverted to projects outside of the authority's transportation network, including the World Trade Center, and says it is considering taking legal action to contest the hikes. AAA says in a letter to U.S. Dept. of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that forcing interstate bridge and tunnel users to pay for “unrelated and speculative” real-estate redevelopment costs would establish a troubling new precedent that DOT should oppose.