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Split tolling means a bridge charges a toll in each direction instead of a double toll in one direction. In New York the term means the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. MTA says split tolling began there on December 1, 2020: "The toll will be collected in each direction" (MTA). The round-trip cost didn't change; where you pay it did.
Before and after
MTA explains that E-ZPass and cashless tolling removed the delays that had justified one-way tolling. See cashless tolling.
Why it matters to TLC drivers
Before split tolling, a driver who took a passenger from Brooklyn to Staten Island paid the double toll on the way in and drove back toll-free. After it, the driver also paid a toll to come back. TLC's 2023 rule notice says that "Since December 2, 2020, the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge has operated with a two-way tolling system," and that there is no way back from Staten Island to the other boroughs without crossing it again (TLC).
So TLC changed who pays. The rule, adopted October 18, 2023 and now in §58-26(f) and §59A-23(b), says on trips within the city:
- Brooklyn → Staten Island over the Verrazzano: the passenger pays two times the toll.
- Staten Island → Brooklyn over the Verrazzano: the passenger pays no toll.
The same direction rule covers the two Rockaway bridges. Worked examples and a direction table: the return-toll rule for the Verrazzano and Rockaway bridges. The general rules: who pays tolls on taxi trips.
Where you will see this term
In MTA notices and news about the Verrazzano, in TLC's 2023 rule notice, and in driver discussions about Staten Island trips. Local notes for drivers: Staten Island.
Common mix-ups
- Not a discount. The Brooklyn-bound direction now has a toll.
- Not the Staten Island resident rate. Resident plans are separate, need enrollment, and MTA says vehicles used for commercial purposes are not eligible.
- Not the Port Authority bridges. The Goethals, Bayonne and Outerbridge Crossing toll only traffic entering New York.
More toll terms: tolls hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is split tolling?
Collecting a toll in each direction of a crossing instead of a double toll in one direction. MTA uses the term for the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, where it began on December 1, 2020.
How was the Verrazzano tolled before?
From 1986 the toll was collected only on Staten Island-bound trips, at double the amount. MTA says the Brooklyn-bound toll was eliminated to reduce queuing at the old Staten Island toll plaza.
What does a car pay now?
$7.46 each way with a New York E-ZPass, $9.79 Mid-Tier, or $12.03 by mail (MTA rates effective January 4, 2026).
Does a taxi passenger pay the Verrazzano toll in both directions?
Under TLC's 2023 rule, a passenger going from Brooklyn to Staten Island pays two times the toll, and a passenger going from Staten Island to Brooklyn pays no toll.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- MTA: Split tolling at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge mta.info
- TLC Notice of Promulgation: Payment of Round Trip Tolls (adopted Oct 18, 2023) nyc.gov
- MTA: Tolls by vehicle type (rates effective Jan 4, 2026) mta.info
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (updated Feb 27, 2026): §58-26(f) nyc.gov
- IRS Topic 510: Business use of car irs.gov
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
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