Cross Bay Bridge Toll Rebate Expands To All Of Queens

BROAD CHANNEL, QUEENS — Queens residents will no longer have to pay a toll on the Cross Bay Bridge.

A program that reimburses local residents for the cost of the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge toll will apply to all Queens drivers starting in spring 2020, the MTA and public officials announced Thursday.

Under the current program, Broad Channel and Far Rockaway residents pay a discounted toll of $1.41 with their E-ZPass, then receive a rebate for that amount from the MTA, which operates several bridges citywide.

Crossing the bridge, which connects Far Rockaway to the rest of the borough, costs other drivers $2.29 with an E-ZPass or $4.75 without one, according to the MTA.

The bridge is the city's only crossing that requires drivers to pay a toll to travel within the same borough, QNS.com reported, and locals and public officials have advocated for eliminating the toll.

"This is a huge victory not only for the residents of Rockaway, but for all the hardworking families and small business of Queens," said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, who represents Rockaway Beach. "Expanding the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge rebate program to all Queens residents is a complete economic game changer for our communities in allowing freedom and ease of access to the entire borough."

Funding for the expanded rebate comes from the Outer Borough Transportation Account, which receives money from the surcharge on for-hire vehicles passed last year.

"Once the rebate is expanded to all Queens residents, individuals can work in Rockaway, as well as enjoy the beaches, ferry, restaurants and all else that Rockaway has to offer, without the additional financial burden,” said Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., who represents Howard Beach.

Still, the bridge isn't necessarily free. Residents eligible for the rebate told the New York Post that the MTA charges them hefty fines when they don't have the $1.41 in their E-ZPass account to pay the discounted toll, even though they get an immediate refund.