New York – The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has recently approved the annual budget of $10 billion for the year 2026, and concurrently passed a 10-year capital construction plan totaling $45 billion. With the initiation of this plan, the Port Authority announced phased adjustments to various transportation and airport-related fees, indicating that the travel costs for the public will gradually increase in the coming years.
Among the adjustments, tolls for bridges and tunnels between states will be the first to be implemented. Starting from January 4th and 5th, 2026, tolls for the six major bridges and tunnels will increase by an average of about 3%, and off-peak discounts will be eliminated. The E-ZPass peak toll rate will be raised from $16.06 to $16.79, the off-peak rate will go up from $14.06 to $14.73, and the non-E-ZPass toll (pay-by-mail) will increase from $22.38 to $23.05.
In terms of public transportation, the PATH subway fare will increase from $3 to $3.25 for a single trip starting from May 3, 2026. Subsequently, from 2026 to 2029, the fare will rise by $0.25 in January each year, reaching $4 in 2029.
Airport ride-sharing and pick-up fees are also included in the adjustment scope. Starting from March 2026, the three major airports, John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA), will raise the “airport entry fee” applicable to ride-sharing platforms (such as Uber, Lyft) and taxis. The fee will increase from $2.50, with increments spread over three years: $1 in March 2026, another $1 in March 2027, and a $0.5 raise in March 2028, ultimately reaching $5.
Regarding parking policies, the Port Authority introduced new measures at the end of 2025 to impose a “peak parking surcharge” for vehicles without prior reservations, to cope with high demand during holidays and peak travel seasons. Authorities recommend customers to reserve parking through the Port Authority’s official website at least 24 hours in advance to reduce overall expenses.
The Port Authority emphasizes that the series of rate and fare adjustments will provide necessary and sustainable financial support for significant infrastructure projects over the next decade. At the same time, the Port Authority actively sought public opinions during the formulation of the annual budget and construction plans, holding six public hearings in various locations across the region at different times.