Introduction
The George Washington Bridge is a double-decked suspension bridge that spans the Hudson River between the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City and Fort Lee, New Jersey. It is one of the busiest bridges in the world, with over 100 million vehicles crossing it each year. For those who are planning to cross the bridge, one question that often comes up is whether there is a toll to pay.
The Short Answer
Yes, there is a toll to pay when crossing the George Washington Bridge. The toll varies depending on the type of vehicle you are driving and the time of day you are crossing. For example, passenger cars pay $16 during peak hours, which are weekdays from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Off-peak tolls for passenger cars are $12.50.
Toll Rates for Other Vehicles
The toll rates for other types of vehicles are as follows:
- Motorcycles: $16 during peak hours, $12.50 during off-peak hours
- Commercial vehicles with two axles and six tires: $32 during peak hours, $25.50 during off-peak hours
- Commercial vehicles with three axles: $48 during peak hours, $38 during off-peak hours
- Commercial vehicles with four or more axles: $64 during peak hours, $51 during off-peak hours
Payment Methods
There are several payment methods available for those who need to pay the toll. Cash is accepted at all toll booths, and there are also dedicated E-ZPass lanes for those who have an E-ZPass account. If you don't have cash or an E-ZPass account, you can use the Toll-by-Mail system, which will bill you for the toll by mail.
Discount Programs
There are several discount programs available for those who use the George Washington Bridge frequently. The Port Authority Green Pass Discount Plan offers a 10% discount to E-ZPass users who make 20 or more trips across the bridge during a calendar month. The Carpool Plan offers a discounted toll rate of $6.50 for vehicles with three or more people during peak hours.
History of the Toll
The George Washington Bridge first opened to traffic on October 25, 1931. At that time, there was no toll to pay. However, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the bridge, began charging tolls in 1933 to help pay for the cost of building and maintaining the bridge. The toll has increased over the years to keep up with inflation and to help fund other transportation projects in the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a toll to pay when crossing the George Washington Bridge. The toll varies depending on the type of vehicle you are driving and the time of day you are crossing. There are several payment methods available, including cash, E-ZPass, and Toll-by-Mail. Discount programs are also available for frequent users and carpoolers. The history of the toll dates back to 1933, when it was first implemented to help pay for the cost of building and maintaining the bridge.