Great Moments In Jurisprudence

Applying the Equal Protection clause to toll roads:

Accusing the MTA of “toll discrimination,” two commuters have filed a class-action suit to end discounts some residents receive on the Verrazano and two other bridges.

The suit says the toll breaks — given to Staten Island residents on the Verrazano, and to Rockaway/Broad Channel residents for the Marine Parkway and Cross Bay bridges — are illegal under state and federal law.

Riva Janes, from Monmouth County, N.J, and Bruce Schwartz, of Queens, claim the “discriminatory toll pricing violates the United States Constitution.”

In their suit, they accuse MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow and Bridges and Tunnels President Michael Ascher of “unlawful charging” millions of drivers and collecting money to which they are “not entitled.”

“Our clients feel everyone should be treated equally, which is what this case is about,” said Andrew Bell, one of their attorneys in the case.