These bonds were long ago paid off. The bridge is now a cash-cow that supports the "Metropolitan Transportation Authority," which somehow took over the bridges under Mayor John Lindsey so he wouldn't have to raise the cost of a subway token again. But probably most of the money has been diverted into the hands of the politicians who live in more and bigger McMansions. It certainly hasn't helped the motorists who use the bridges.
ML/NJ
A number of cities like to “close off” access for those who live nearby but want to work or visit “in the city”.
In Houston, those who live outside of The Loop are still taxed to support all of that infrastructure “in the city” but they are actively discouraged from venturing in by a hostile city council (and mayoral candidates).
But that “Loop” is bisected by an interstate highway that stretches from California to Florida. And those on the city council scoff at doing anything to permit more east bound traffic getting “inside” the loop (even though plenty of shipping trucks aren’t stopping in the city).
If they are making you pay $17 in tolls, it’s out of spite.
I’m from The Rockaways where the Cross Bay Bridge connects two Queens neighborhoods. The original toll was a dime ... it’s now $4.25 each way.
Lindsay ruined transportation by giving MTA workers that suicidal health plan because he didn’t know how to negotiate when they struck on his first day in office, a petrifyingly cold day, January 1. We are still paying for that, as the children who were covered are still alive.