Heading across the Hudson River is going to require more money. Tolls are increasing Monday. Our Elaina Athans tells us, it's just one more expense squeezing commuter pockets.

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BEACON, N.Y. -- The start of the workweek brings the start of new tolls on five Hudson Valley bridges. The cost to travel on the Newburgh-Beacon, Mid-Hudson, Rip Van Winkle, Bear Mountain and Kingston-Rhinecliff bridges is all going up. The price rises from a dollar to a $1.50.

"It’s a little steep. That’s a local bridge," said Beacon resident Ronald VanDorn.

The increase is not getting a welcome receptiant from commuters and area residents.

“I say JOB stands for 'just over broke'," said Marlboro resident Ken Daley. "Look at what it costs just to travel to be able to work."

"In Beacon, we like to go to the stores over in Newburgh. The gas is cheaper. So you figure if gas is like 10 cents cheaper, it doesn’t pay to go over there," said VanDorn.

The increase will help fund new projects for the Bridge Authority, including a $100 million redecking of the Newburgh-Beacon.

If you have an EZ pass though, budgeting your monthly commuting costs shouldn't change much. The Bridge Authority is offering a lower rate because the fare is scanned electronically and there is less overhead.

Taxi driver Jerry Bradley is considering to get an EZ pass. He makes 10 to 15 runs over the Newburgh-Beacon daily.

“I think it’ll be cheaper because when it gets busy, I go over there quite a lot," Bradley.

The hike marks the first increase in more than a decade.