Private commuter bus companies are rallying their riders to fight the Port Authority’s proposed toll increase, warning that high tolls could lead to a fare hike.

Commuters started receiving emails on Aug. 22 from various bus companies and a trade association, asking them to email officials in New Jersey and New York and on the Port Authority board about reconsidering a recently announced toll increase that includes commuter buses.

“We hope this campaign gets their attention and makes them think,” said Sean Hughes, a spokesman for the N.J. Bus Association, which also represents some New York-based carriers.

The Port Authority Board of Commissioners introduced a proposed toll, fare and fee increase package in late June that helps fund an additional $4.8 billion in additional projects added to the agency’s 10-year capital plan that ends in 2026. Email comments are being taken until Sept. 13 and the board is scheduled to vote on the increases on Sept. 26

Academy Bus was more direct about the potential effect higher tolls could have on fares in its email to commuters, saying it and the coalition “wants to keep our fares as low as possible.” About 500 people have sent emails to officials as of Monday, Hughes said.

“We are still in the public comment period on the proposed toll and fare adjustments and welcome feedback and comment from all interested stakeholders through September 13,” said Steve Coleman, a Port Authority spokesman. He did not say why the Authority charges a higher toll for commuter buses.

Hughes said bus companies “don’t know how much it will raise fares until the Port Authority decides” whether to approve, reject or to modify the toll proposal. NJ Transit is not involved in the campaign or the coalition, he said.

One of the coalition’s arguments is that a toll increase on commuter buses sends a mixed message, since the Port Authority and other agencies encourage commuters to take buses instead of cars, Hughes said.

Since 2001, commuter bus tolls at Port Authority crossings have been higher than for light passenger vehicles.

The last toll increase in December 2015 charges $12.50 to passenger vehicles using E-Z Pass during peak commuting hours and buses pay $13. That would increase over four years under the proposed Port Authority plan to be voted on in mid-September.

The proposed increase in 2020 would raise bridge and tunnel tolls to $13.75 for passenger vehicles and $14 for buses. That increases to $14.09 in 2022 for passenger vehicles and $17 for buses. In 2024, passenger vehicles would pay $14.80 and buses $18. That would reach a maximum of a $15.55 E-Z Pass toll for car in 2026 and $21 for buses.

“The car isn’t getting charged as much as a bus is,” Hughes said. “Policy makers are obviously focused on people taking mass transit. They might want to charge cars a little more to encourage people to take mass transit.”

Another issue that could affect fares is New York’s congestion pricing proposal and whether drivers would get credit toward that fee for tolls paid at Hudson River crossings. Revenue from congestion pricing would help fund New York’s subway system.

A report recommended giving drivers credit for tolls at the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels which would take traffic in to the congestion pricing zone below 60th street in Manhattan. A ‘traffic” panel will make that decision about toll credits and how much they would be.

“Congestion pricing plays a role (in fares),” Hughes said. “That is an unknown factor whether they will charge an extra toll or how much of a credit they’ll give. That’s a pretty big if.”

A representative of the NJ Bus Association spoke at a July hearing held by the Port Authority in Bergen County and put a written statement about bus carriers concern on the record. AAA Northeast clubs also have opposed the toll increase.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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