The public comment period through the public hearing process is now closed. For crossing charges only, public comment will continue to be accepted by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (MTA Bridges and Tunnels) until the close of business on February 16, 2021 in the manner indicated in the notice published in the December 16, 2020 New York State Register (see page 30).
How the process works
- We published a notice with a range of proposed changes (you can see the notice at the bottom of this page).
- We scheduled public hearings where anyone who registered could comment on the proposals.
- We are currently considering all of the comments, including those made during hearings and comments sent to us online or by phone or mail.
- After considering public comment, the boards of the MTA and its affiliated agencies will decide which potential fare and toll adjustments and policy changes to adopt.
Hearing format
We held two types of hearings: public hearings and satellite hearings. Because of the ongoing pandemic, all hearings were held virtually. They took place on Zoom, with a livestream available.
- Virtual public hearings included live public comments and a Q&A function with MTA subject matter experts. MTA leadership and board members were in attendance.
- Virtual satellite hearings were recorded and transcribed, without a Q&A period. MTA leadership and board members were not present at satellite hearings.
Public hearing process
Because of the ongoing pandemic, the MTA held eight virtual public and satellite hearings from December 1 to December 21, 2020. In addition, members of the public were permitted to submit comments through this webpage, the MTA Public Hearing Hotline, or by mail.
All comments that were received will be transcribed and made part of the permanent record of these hearings.
Virtual public hearing dates
The MTA held six virtual public hearings, which included live public comments and a Q&A function with MTA subject matter experts. MTA leadership and board members were in attendance.
Virtual satellite hearing dates
The MTA held two virtual satellite hearings, at which members of the public could make public comments, but at which MTA leadership and board members were not present.
- Wednesday, December 2, 2020, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 8, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Accessibility and language services
At the virtual public and satellite hearings, CART Captioning and American Sign Language services were available.
In addition, accommodations were available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, people who are blind or have low vision, and people who required language assistance or other accommodations.
We will ensure that any public comments received in a language other than English are translated, included in the hearing transcript, and summarized for the MTA board.