Officials from the New York State Thruway Authority told lawmakers on Monday that toll increases are needed otherwise the system will be in a dire situation.
Frank Hoare, the interim executive director of the Thruway Authority, and Matthew Howard, the authority’s chief financial officer, said without toll increases they will hit a $4 million budget gap in 2024.
By 2031 that will swell to $250 million.
The Thruway Authority has proposed a 5% increase for New York E-ZPass users in 2024, with another 5% hike in 2017. Out-of-state E-ZPass users and toll-by-mail customers would pay a 75% higher rate than in-state E-ZPass holders. Public hearings will be held before the authority’s board votes on the toll increase later this year, with the hearings expected to begin in mid-to-late spring.
Lawmakers have voiced frustration over the proposed increase, and just last week Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said price increases should only be executed if necessary.
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