The High Cost of Free Riders
Whenever the prospect of funding our transit system with bridge tolls or congestion pricing arises, you can count on a hue and cry from aggrieved motorists about subsidizing other people's commutes. But if the bridges stay free, who's really paying for somebody else's ride? Today's Times story about the last phase of Manhattan Bridge reconstruction is a welcome reminder that the city's bridges are already costly:
By
Ben Fried
12:01 PM EDT on October 30, 2009
Whenever the prospect of funding our transit system with bridge tolls or congestion pricing arises, you can count on a hue and cry from aggrieved motorists about subsidizing other people’s commutes. But if the bridges stay free, who’s really paying for somebody else’s ride? Today’s Times story about the last phase of Manhattan Bridge reconstruction is a welcome reminder that the city’s bridges are already costly:
All told, about $830 million has been spent repairing the bridge, which
suffered from neglect during the city’s financial crisis in the 1970s,
said Brian Gill, the chief engineer of Manhattan Bridge reconstruction
for the Transportation Department.
As long as there’s no price on these bridges, we all pay for those free rides.
Ben Fried started as a Streetsblog reporter in 2008 and led the site as editor-in-chief from 2010 to 2018. He lives in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, with his wife.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
‘Slopulism’: Cheaper Driving Is Hochul’s Key ‘Affordability’ Issue
The governor has nearly a one-track mind when it comes to lowering auto insurance premiums — no matter the cost to her constituents.
March 30, 2026
Lawmakers Want More Funding For Upstate Transit Than Hochul Is Offering
Some transit authorities are already cutting back as state assistance doesn’t meet the mark. And Hochul isn't coughing up the big bucks.
March 30, 2026
To Save Lives — And The Theater — Let’s Ban Cars From Broadway
We are all suffering from the few people who drive into the Times Square area. So let's make the easy fix, argues our contributor.
March 30, 2026
Monday’s Headlines: Mamdani’s Missing Link Edition
City Hall will hear out QueensLink advocates despite its financial commitment to the competing QueensWay. Plus more news.
March 30, 2026
Mamdani Will Upgrade Brooklyn Bridge Manhattan-Side Entrance By June
DOT will begin start construction in April of the Adams-era proposal to give cyclists and pedestrians their own entrances to the bridge.
March 27, 2026
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.