NYC wants marathoners to pay toll as city closes bridges

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is demanding that the organizers of New York City’s marathon pay $750,000 annually to make up for the loss in toll revenues for closing the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the starting point for the race.

The yearly marathon happens on the first Sunday of November, and this year, more than 50,000 runners are expected to take part in the race. The MTA's request will add $15 per participant, overshadowing the $7 bridge toll.

Currently, runners pay $255 or $315 to run the marathon. The race organizer, New York Road Runners (NYRR), claims the marathon already benefits NYC’s economy. In 2023, the marathon raised over $60 million for charity and boosted subway ridership.

The MTA decision comes amidst its recent approval of congestion pricing in NYC, which is facing legal challenges, including a lawsuit led by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.