Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners officially approved a record-breaking $45 billion, 10-year capital plan alongside a $10 billion budget for 2026
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Traveling between New Jersey and New York is about to get more expensive. On December 18, 2025, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners officially approved a record-breaking $45 billion, 10-year capital plan alongside a $10 billion budget for 2026.
To fund massive infrastructure projects—including a brand-new Midtown Bus Terminal and an overhaul of Newark Liberty Airport—the agency is rolling out a series of toll, fare, and fee increases starting as early as January 4, 2026.
🚗 Bridge & Tunnel Tolls: What You’ll Pay
If you drive across the George Washington Bridge or through the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels, prepare for your E-ZPass statement to climb.
-
Standard Increase: Tolls will rise by 3% across the board starting January 4, 2026.
-
The “Annual Surcharge”: In addition to inflation adjustments, an extra $0.25 surcharge will be added annually through 2028.
-
Peak E-ZPass Rate: The auto toll during peak hours will jump to $16.79 (up from $16.06).
-
E-ZPass Discount Phase-Out: The current $2 off-peak discount for cars and motorcycles is being eliminated. Starting January 2027, this discount will be reduced by $0.50 per year until it hits zero in 2030.
🚆 PATH Train: Fares Heading Toward $4
For the first time in 25 years, the PATH will run every line, every day, by mid-2026. However, this “service boost” comes with a price tag.
| Effective Date | New PATH Fare |
| May 4, 2026 | $3.25 (Up from $3.00) |
| January 3, 2027 | $3.50 |
| January 2, 2028 | $3.75 |
| January 7, 2029 | $4.00 |
✈️ Airport Fees: Uber, Lyft, and Taxis
Following heavy pushback from ride-share advocates, the Port Authority agreed to “stagger” fee hikes for pick-ups and drop-offs at EWR, JFK, and LaGuardia instead of doubling them instantly.
Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft) Fees
-
March 15, 2026: Increases to $3.50 (Up from $2.50)
-
March 15, 2027: Increases to $4.50
-
March 15, 2028: Increases to $5.00
-
Note: Ride-share drivers will continue to be charged for both pick-ups and drop-offs.
Taxi Pick-up Fees
-
March 15, 2026: Increases to $2.00 (Up from $1.75)
-
January 2, 2028: Reaches $2.50
🏗️ Where is Your Money Going?
The Port Authority insists these hikes are necessary to turn “promises into progress.” The $45 billion capital plan focuses on several megaprojects:
-
Midtown Bus Terminal: An $11 billion top-to-bottom reconstruction.
-
Newark Liberty (EWR): Building a new Terminal B, adding gates to Terminal A, and a new $3.5 billion AirTrain.
-
JFK Airport: Completing the transformation of Terminals 1 and 6, both set to open new gates in 2026.
-
PATH Forward: Upgrading signals and tracks to allow for more frequent weekend and rush-hour service.
Commuter Summary: 2026 Hikes
| Category | First Hike Date | Change |
| Tolls (GWB/Tunnels) | Jan 4, 2026 | 3% + $0.25 Surcharge |
| PATH Fare | May 4, 2026 | $3.25 |
| Airport Ride-Share | Mar 15, 2026 | $3.50 |
| Airport Taxi | Mar 15, 2026 | $2.00 |
Follow the Ridgewood blog has a brand-new new X account, we tweet good sh$t
https://twitter.com/TRBNJNews
https://truthsocial.com/@theridgewoodblog
https://mewe.com/jamesfoytlin.74/posts
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
“Annual Surcharge”?? Like tolls, they never go away. Just be honest. They will extend beyond 2028, forever.