The Citizens Budget Commission, a consumer watchdog group, has predicted that tolls could easily double on the new three mile long Mario M. Cuomo bridge, which replaces the Tappan Zee Bridge connecting Westchester and Rockland counties.

The commission says raising the toll is the easiest way to repay debts for construction on the bridge. The New York Daily News reports that Carol Kellermann, the Citizens Budget Commission chief, says the state's basis for borrowing for the bridge was based on future income from tolls and by building toll hikes into the formula. They predict that tolls could go as high as $10, however Governor Cuomo has promised to keep the toll as is until the year 2020. They say if you drive with the discounted commuter plan, your rate would spike to $7.45, according to the Citizens Budget Commission.

When asked, the Thruway Authority and the State of New York repeatedly avoided comment regarding what the new toll will be for the span.

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