Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Staten Island resident discount maintained in state budget; here’s what to know

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Islanders will continue to be charged significantly discounted toll rates when crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, courtesy of the new $229 billion state budget.

The Staten Island resident discount program, which allows borough residents to pay an effective toll rate of $2.75 in each direction, as opposed to the $6.55 E-ZPass rate or the $10.17 Tolls-by-Mail rate, has been fully funded in New York’s $229 billion fiscal year 2024 state budget.

The discount program, which was established in 2014 by former Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid-Island) and State Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island), must be annually funded in the state budget in order to continue.

“From guaranteeing that we keep our Staten Island resident discount on the Verrazzano Bridge even if the MTA tries to raise our tolls and keeping speed cameras off of our bridges, to expanding the Child Tax Credit to put money back in the pockets of families who need it most, I am proud that we delivered for Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn in this budget,” said State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn).

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