As of today, your cash is no good at the Holland Tunnel. Toll booths at the tunnel will not be accepting cash payments beginning December 23rd. Cash tolls became the (temporary) norm at the start of the pandemic but will now become permanent. Technology allows for the fast, easy, and safe processing of fees. E-ZPass will likely be the most efficient way to pay but it’s not required.
Vehicles without E-ZPass will be photographed. Their license plates will be scanned and a $16 bill (the current cost of crossing the tunnel) will be sent to the vehicle’s owner. Or, at least, to the address at which the vehicle is registered. The George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel are set to use the same technology within the next year-and-a-half. Benefits include less congestion (ideally) and lower operating costs. Of course, this method has its drawbacks. Let us know what you think about cashless tolls! Read on for a little Holland Tunnel history and some fun facts.
The Holland Tunnel was the world’s first mechanically ventilated tunnel. Pictured is an 84-foot-tall vent in Jersey City.
Beyond My Ken/Wikipedia
Construction on the tunnel began in October of 1920. It was officially opened in November of 1927. This photo was taken in 1923.
International Newsreel/Wikipedia
The tunnel was designed by three architects, two of who died before the tunnel’s completion. Chief engineers included Clifford Millburn Holland (pictured), Milton Harvey Freeman, and Ole Singstad.
Library of Congress/Wikipedia
The tunnel connects Canal Street in Manhattan with 12th and 14th streets in Jersey City.
EPA/Wikipedia
Tolls were 50 cents each way between 1920 and 1970. Between 1970 and 1975, tolls were $1 but charged in eastbound lanes only. Prices began increasing and reached $2 in 1983, around when this photo was taken. Tolls broke the $10 mark in 2011.
Library of Congress/Wikipedia
Do you know any other Holland Tunnel trivia? Do you think cashless tolls will eventually be the norm?
Beyond My Ken/Wikipedia
International Newsreel/Wikipedia
Library of Congress/Wikipedia
EPA/Wikipedia
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Address: Holland Tunnel, Jersey City, NJ, USA
