Transportation officials want NYC Marathon organizers to pay $750K to cross the Verrazzano bridge

The New York City Marathon might soon have to pay a toll to cross the bridge, just like every other commuter. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is demanding the New York Road Runners, organizers of the venerable race held the first Sunday in November, to pay roughly $750,000 for use of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The agency that oversees New York’s bridges and tunnels says the fee represents the estimated amount of toll revenue lost when the bridge is closed. But the Road Runners argue the MTA enjoys increased revenue from greater transit ridership during marathon week.