Tolls on upstate bridges increased

HIGHLAND -- Motorists who travel over the five upstate Hudson River bridges operated by the New York State Bridge Authority will have to fork over more money for tolls starting today.

The agency has raised the basic passenger car toll from $1 to $1.25 for E-ZPass customers, and to $1.50 for cash customers as of 12:01 this morning.

The authority operates the Mid-Hudson, Newburgh-Beacon, Kingston-Rhinecliff, Rip Van Winkle and Bear Mountain bridges.

Bridge Authority officials say E-ZPass customers get a break because it costs less to collect tolls electronically.

The agency announced in October that it planned to raise tolls in early 2012. Officials say the toll increase is needed to pay for more than $100 million in capital projects. -- AP