The only way to drive from Staten Island to New York City (other than the roundabout way through Jersey) is the Verrazano Bridge, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Contrary to urban legends that the toll would be eliminated after the bridge was paid off (not true), crossing the span is quite expensive. The price is now a staggering $16, though you only pay to leave Brooklyn and enter Staten Island, not the other way around. Fortunately for residents of Richmond County, there is a discount for Staten Islanders on the Bridge. It is only $5.75!

Alas, two plaintiffs found this policy discriminatory, and in violation of the Right to Travel, protected by the Article IV Privileges or Immunities Clause, as well as the dormant commerce clause. In a per curiam opinion, the Second Circuit affirmed the district court’s dismissal of the case. In doing so, the court took judicial notice of the “geographical isolation” of Staten Island.

Moreover, the residents who qualified for the discounted tolls in Selevan [Grand Island, NY] and those who qualify in the instant case face comparable levels of geographical isolation.