File source: CrimeinNYC

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is grappling with a staggering $5.1 billion loss from unpaid tolls and fees across its nine bridges and tunnels over the past four years. This figure, fueled by the shift to “cashless” payment systems, has outpaced the anticipated $500 million to $800 million annual revenue from the upcoming $9 congestion toll set to debut in Midtown Manhattan south of 60th Street.

MTA data revealed that toll violations soared to over $1.4 billion in 2024 alone, with an additional $3.7 billion racked up from 2021 to 2023. The losses, attributed to unpaid tolls and late fees, have reached unprecedented levels since the elimination of traditional toll booths, highlighting the challenges of enforcing toll collection in a fully electronic system.

The dire financial shortfall was outlined in a financial chart included in the MTA’s request for proposals sent to potential debt collectors. With the new congestion toll poised to bring in significant revenue, the MTA faces increasing pressure to address the billions lost to evasion and restore financial stability to its operations.