A far more popular way for middle class New Yorkers to cross the East River is by subway. Bridge tolls would provide a relatively stable funding source that would help ensure that the trains they ride continue to run.

When middle class New Yorkers do cross the East River, their time is often valuable. In many cases, they would be happy to pay a few dollars if congestion is relieved as a result. Some of them already use the tolled crossings, but the toll-free bridges are often more direct. It doesn’t make sense for them to go out of their way to drive to a tolled crossing just because it’s likely to be less congested – just as it doesn’t make sense for large numbers of drivers who aren’t time-sensitive to take circuitous routes simply to avoid tolls.

Many middle class New Yorkers ride buses that get tied up in traffic leading to the toll-free bridges. Those middle class New Yorkers would benefit from faster and more reliable bus service if there were bridge tolls.

Many middle class New Yorkers live and work near the toll-free bridges. Bridge tolls would make their everyday lives more pleasant, safer, and healthier.

Finally, the toll-free bridges cost a lot to maintain. Shouldn’t those costs be borne primarily, or only, by the people who use them, rather than by class New Yorkers who never use them and may not even own cars?

But I guess your solution is to let the subway system shrivel up and die. Then a lot more people will have no choice but to drive. I suppose, as (obviously) a motorist, you must think that there isn’t enough traffic congestion already, and that parking is way too easy to find. You may have to wait in line several hours (on a good day!) to get through a chokepoint or to find a parking spot – but at least you save $5!

But if they were approved, even at the 11th hour, I think the MTA would promptly cancel or reverse the service cuts. The same thing happened last year, even though the rescue package took time to phase in.