MTA Worked with Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato and Senator Addabbo to Expand Rebate Using Outer Borough Transportation Account

The Outer Borough Transportation Account was Established as Part of the Surcharge on For-Hire Vehicles Passed Last Year to Fund Outer Borough Transit Improvements.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Beach) and Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) announce that the resident rebate program at the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge will be expanded to all Queens Residents starting in Spring 2020. The necessary funding to expand this program was secured in both houses of the Legislature, utilizing the Outer Borough Transportation Account which was established as part of the surcharge on for-hire vehicles passed last year. This account was established to provide additional resources for outer borough transit improvements.

To be eligible for this program, one must have a valid E-ZPass tag mounted in the vehicle and a vehicle registered to a valid resident address in Queens. This program is only available to passenger vehicles. Vehicles used for commercial purposes will not be eligible.

“I want to thank the senator and assemblywoman for their close partnership with the MTA on this issue, and I’m pleased we were able to find a solution to this challenge that results in more affordable transportation options while not impacting the MTA’s finances,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye. “This sort of collaboration between our agency, elected officials, and our customers is absolutely critical.”

“This is a HUGE victory not only for the residents of Rockaway, but for all the hardworking families and small business of Queens. Expanding the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge rebate program to all Queens residents is a complete economic game changer for our communities in allowing freedom and ease of access to the entire Borough,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Beach). “I join Senator Addabbo in thanking the leadership of the Assembly, Senate, Governor Cuomo, and the MTA for listening to our persistent advocacy in making sure our communities voices were heard.”

“I want to thank the MTA, Governor Andrew Cuomo, my leader Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins, and Speaker Carl Heastie for understanding the concerns of my colleague Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato and I regarding the toll on the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge, which has hampered the potential for economic opportunities on the Rockaway Peninsula. Once the rebate is expanded to all Queens residents, individuals can work in Rockaway, as well as enjoy the beaches, ferry, restaurants and all else that Rockaway has to offer, without the additional financial burden,” said Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach).