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No commuter, visitor or traveler wants to pay $14 to cross a bridge in New York or anywhere else.
It is good that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recognized that and canceled his administrations plan to charge $14 on the new Tappan Zee Bridge, scheduled for completion in 2017.
The Tappan Zee, which crosses the Hudson River at one of its widest points, is the states longest bridge. Part of the Thruway, the cantilever bridge is 25 miles north of New York City, connecting South Nyack in Rockland County with Tarrytown in Westchester County.
Despite the fact that the New York City skyline is visible on a clear day, the proposed toll of $14 was way too pricey: it would almost triple the current toll of $5.
New York Citys suburbs protested mightily, causing the governor to step in.
We must find alternatives, revenue generators and cost reductions that reduce the potential toll increases, Gov. Cuomo wrote to the state Thruway Authority. He has called for a task force to find more federal support and ways to reduce borrowing costs.
The Thruway Authority agreed to work with the governor in keeping tolls on the proposed $5.2 billion bridge as affordable as possible.
The governor has asked that a variety of experts be included on the panel to ensure that the landscape, design, the fit with the natural beauty of the Hudson River and the interests of the citizens in the surrounding communities would all be considered.
Surely the new Tappan Zee will be a great bridge as well with a wonderful view.
But New York must keep its bridge tolls at a reasonable level.