Assemblyman Ramos Opposes Further Fare and Toll Hikes

Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr. sent a letter to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Friday afternoon, opposing any further toll and fare hikes.

After North Jersey reported that the fare increases will not be used to go toward the rebuilding of the World Trade Center, but rather, to expenses within the Port Authority, according to the article.

Ramos opposed any further increases—tolls and fares are expected to continue to go up the next couple of years—and asked to freeze the proposed hike.

"Now, months later, and after the revelation that Port Authority employees were receiving huge bonuses during a recession, the PANYNJ has recanted that the toll and fare hikes would pay for the rebuilding of the World Trade Center," Ramos' press releases stated.

In a letter to Port Authority Chairman David Samson, Ramos wrote also that "t is a public official's foremost duty to spend public money wisely. That is why it is so discouraging to read about $2 million in hidden pay outs to PANYNJ employees. It drives hard-working families crazy to learn that the agency trusted with the safety of our tunnels and bridges has recklessly gambled away $70 million on risky investments."

Ramos further asked for more clarification on how the extra toll and fare revenues would be used by the Port Authority.

Alexander Habib, Ramos' legislative aide, said that the assemblyman doesn't oppose fair hikes if the money would be spent on capital projects and to ensure safety.