Tolls rise on five Hudson Valley bridges

HIGHLAND — Motorists who travel over the five Hudson River bridges operated by the New York State Bridge Authority must fork over more money for tolls starting Jan. 30. The basic passenger car toll has increased from $1 to $1.25 for E-ZPass customers and $1.50 for cash customers. 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 tolls need to be increased to pay for more than $100 million in capital projects. The authority operates the Mid-Hudson, Newburgh-Beacon, Kingston-Rhinecliff, Rip Van Winkle and Bear Mountain bridges.