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NY, NJ commuters sound off on toll hikes

By Associated Press
SHARE NY, NJ commuters sound off on toll hikes
Members of the public, many representing unions, listen as people speak during a public meeting about proposed toll increases by the Port Authority in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011. The meeting was heavily attended by union members, who mostly support

Members of the public, many representing unions, listen as people speak during a public meeting about proposed toll increases by the Port Authority in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011. The meeting was heavily attended by union members, who mostly support the toll increases to fund projects that they believe will create jobs.

Seth Wenig, Associated Press

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — New York commuters are complaining they're getting stuck with the bill for the new World Trade Center and post-9/11 security projects as authorities moved to double the cost of entering New York City from $8 to $17 per car.

At crowded hearing rooms on both sides of the Hudson River on Tuesday, angry commuters traded turns at the microphone with labor union members who are eager to keep toll money flowing into ground zero and other construction projects managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Entering New York City would cost motorists $17 by 2014, up from $8 now, if the toll increases are approved. The fare for the PATH trains would rise from $1.75 to $2.75.

Much of the money is going to fund the $11 billion World Trade Center.

The Port Authority's board is to vote on the plan on Friday. Either New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie or New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo could veto it within 10 days.