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By: Jordan Baker
Outrage is sweeping New York City after reports revealed that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has failed to collect an astounding $5.1 billion in unpaid tolls and violations over the past four years. According to the New York Post, these uncollected tolls dwarf the projected annual revenue from the city’s controversial congestion pricing program, which is expected to generate $500 million to $800 million.
The New York Post reported that unpaid tolls at the MTA’s nine bridges and tunnels have surged since the transition to cashless tolling systems. This shift has reportedly made it easier for violators to evade payment, contributing to what critics call a culture of lawlessness.
“They can’t even collect their unpaid tolls,” Harry Nespoli, chairman of the NYC Municipal Labor Council, told the New York Post. “Instead, they’re making law-abiding citizens pay more through congestion pricing. They should go after the violators, not hard-working New Yorkers.”
The New York Post highlighted that uncollected tolls totaled $1.4 billion in 2024 alone and $3.7 billion from 2021 to 2023. When factoring in penalties and fees, the total ballooned to $5.1 billion. Critics argue this financial mismanagement undermines the justification for imposing a $9 congestion fee to enter Midtown Manhattan south of 60th Street.
Benjamin Li, a Brooklyn resident who tows a smoothie cart into Manhattan, told the New York Post that he complies with toll regulations but is frustrated by the lack of enforcement against violators. “I see so many people using ghost plates to avoid paying. They should target those people instead of penalizing us,” he said.
The New York Post also noted that with congestion pricing set to increase to $12 by 2028 and $15 by 2031, concerns about fairness and enforcement are mounting.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told the New York Post that the MTA’s inability to address toll evasion reflects a broader failure of leadership. “This is what happens when laws aren’t enforced. Taxpayers are stuck footing the bill for programs like congestion pricing, which, based on the MTA’s track record, many will also avoid paying,” he said.
Long Island truck driver Kenny McCutcheon echoed similar sentiments to the New York Post, saying, “It’s ridiculous that honest drivers are paying $9 to enter the city while others get away with paying nothing.”
The New York Post highlighted that MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan downplayed the $5.1 billion figure, claiming it includes penalties and fees in addition to tolls. “About 92% of people pay their tolls through E-ZPass or by mail,” she said during an MTA committee meeting. “The remaining 8% are either unbillable because of ghost plates or simply refuse to pay despite repeated notices.”
As reported by the New York Post, the MTA collected $113 million of $241 million in outstanding tolls in 2023—less than half of what was owed. The agency has also sought to revoke vehicle registrations of toll violators and gained new authority to impose judgments without court proceedings.
Bankruptcy trustee Kenneth Kirschenbaum told the New York Post that some toll evaders owe thousands of dollars and abuse the system intentionally. “These aren’t minor mistakes,” he said. “The MTA and state leaders need to prioritize enforcement and accountability.”
