(02/01/06) BRIDGEPORT ? A $1 surcharge implemented by the Bridgeport Port Authority resulted in upset commuters and vehicle delays Wednesday in Bridgeport.

The surcharge has actually been in effect for 18 months, but representatives of the Port Jefferson Ferry Company have refused to collect the fee from riders. Wednesday, the Bridgeport Port Authority took matters into its own hands and started collecting the money as vehicles exited the ferry. The extra collection time caused backups of 20 minutes or more.

Officials at the Port Jefferson Ferry Company say the port authority is harassing their customers with the fee collections. However, a port authority spokesperson claims all delays and problems would disappear if the Port Jefferson Ferry Company collected the surcharge while passengers were on the boat.