FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 26, 2009

SENATOR RUBEN DIAZ URGES COLLEAGUES TO OPPOSES TOLLS ON NEW YORK CITY
BRIDGES

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D- Bronx) calls upon his
colleagues in the State Legislature to the oppose proposed $2 tolls on East
River bridges in New York City.

“I call upon my colleagues in the State Senate and in the State Assembly to
oppose Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s proposal for $2 tolls on the East
River Bridges,” stated Senator Diaz. “Not only will these tolls
disproportionately affect the people of The Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, but
they will hurt New York’s taxi drivers, merchants, senior citizens, and
needy people who live and work in New York City. Low income families
cannot afford these surcharges, and it is our duty as elected officials and
as Democrats to protect the less fortunate members of our society.”

“I urge my colleagues to keep in mind that once these tolls are approved,
the cost will increase every year,” continued Senator Diaz. “Senior
citizens who have doctor appointments in Manhattan will need not only their
$18 co-payment for their doctor, but the additional $2 or $4 or $8 for the
bridge toll. Merchants whose businesses are inter-borough will be unable
to afford the additional expense and their businesses will suffer – and
prices will rise. Because of these additional charges, taxi drivers and
their families will suffer and taxi drivers will lose business.”

Proposed East River bridge tolls will include tolls on the Fordham Road
Bridge, Willis Avenue Bridge, McCombs Dam Bridge, 149th Street Bridge,
Williamsburg Bridge, and all East River bridges.

For further comment, please contact Senator Diaz at 718/496-4793.

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