Does the Whitestone Bridge Have Tolls in Both Directions?
The Whitestone Bridge is one of the major bridges that connects the boroughs of Queens and the Bronx in New York City. As with many other bridges in the city, there is a toll that must be paid to use the Whitestone Bridge. However, many people are curious about whether this toll is charged in both directions. In this article, we will provide an overview of the Whitestone Bridge and answer the question of whether there are tolls in both directions.
Overview of the Whitestone Bridge
The Whitestone Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the East River, connecting the neighborhoods of Throgs Neck in the Bronx and Whitestone in Queens. The bridge is about 3,700 feet long and was completed in 1939. It has a total of six lanes of traffic, three in each direction, and is a critical transportation link for the people of New York City.
History of Tolls on the Whitestone Bridge
Tolls have been collected on the Whitestone Bridge since it opened in 1939. Originally, the toll was 25 cents per car, but it has increased over time. In the early days, the toll was only collected in one direction, but this changed in the 1950s when tolls were implemented in both directions.
Current Tolls on the Whitestone Bridge
Today, the toll for using the Whitestone Bridge is $9.50 for cars. However, the toll varies depending on the type of vehicle, and there are discounts available for certain groups, such as E-ZPass users and residents of Queens. Additionally, there are fees for oversize and overweight vehicles.
Toll Rates for Different Types of Vehicles
The toll rates for different types of vehicles vary. For example, motorcycles are charged $2.25, while trucks with three or more axles are charged $31. For drivers who use E-ZPass, the toll is slightly lower. Additionally, there are discounts available for residents of Queens and certain other groups, such as people with disabilities.
How to Pay Tolls on the Whitestone Bridge
Drivers can pay tolls on the Whitestone Bridge in several ways. They can pay with cash at toll booths, use E-ZPass, or use the toll-by-mail system, which sends a bill to the driver’s address.
Are There Discounts Available for Tolls on the Whitestone Bridge?
Yes, there are discounts available for certain groups of people. For example, residents of Queens can get a discount on the toll by using E-ZPass. Additionally, drivers who frequently use the bridge can save money by purchasing a commuter plan.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay Tolls on the Whitestone Bridge?
If you don’t pay tolls on the Whitestone Bridge, you could face fines and penalties. The toll-by-mail system will send you a bill, and failure to pay could result in fines and even a suspension of your vehicle registration.
Are There Any Exemptions for Tolls on the Whitestone Bridge?
There are no exemptions for tolls on the Whitestone Bridge, but there are discounts available for certain groups of people.
How the Whitestone Bridge Tolls Compare to Other Bridges in NYC
The tolls for the Whitestone Bridge are comparable to other bridges in New York City. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, for example, has a toll of $19 for cars, while the Brooklyn Bridge has no toll.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tolls on the Whitestone Bridge
Some common questions people have about tolls on the Whitestone Bridge include how to pay tolls, what discounts are available, and what happens if you don’t pay.
Conclusion: Understanding Tolls on the Whitestone Bridge
The Whitestone Bridge is an important transportation link for the people of New York City, and tolls are collected in both directions. While the toll rates vary depending on the type of vehicle, there are discounts available for certain groups of people, such as residents of Queens and E-ZPass users. It’s important to pay tolls on time to avoid fines and penalties.
