The U.S. Government Accountability Office has notified four interstate tolling authorities in New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania that it is investigating how they decide to raise tolls and how they spend the money. The four tolling agencies operate under bi-state compacts authorized by Congress. One of the agencies, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, operates the tunnels and bridges that cross the Hudson River. The other three operate more than two dozen bridges that span the Delaware River to connect New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

 GAO spokesman Ned Griffith said, “Recent tolling increases on some bridges have raised questions about whether transportation authorities are remaining accountable to their congressionally approved compact.” He said notices went to the agencies saying GAO would be requesting information and meeting with their staffs.