The New York State Thruway Authority has proposed its first toll adjustment since 2010 to fund the replacement of over 85 aging bridges within the next decade, at an estimated cost of $800 million.
The Thruway, a user-fee-supported roadway, does not receive any federal, state, or local tax dollars. The proposal includes a 5% increase in base E-ZPass rates on January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2027, as well as a 7% increase in base non-E-ZPass rates. This would raise the current rate of 4.5 cents per mile to 4.9 cents per mile in 2027 for E-ZPass members.
Local legislators and community members attended a public hearing at the New York State Fairgrounds, where opinions on the proposed toll hikes were divided. Onondaga County Legislator Ken Bush argued that the Thruway made a strong case for needing additional revenue due to skyrocketing infrastructure improvement costs. However, local resident Scott Seeland opposed the proposal, citing job losses when toll booths closed two years ago.
New York State Senator Joseph Griffo, a member of the Senate’s Transportation Committee, submitted a written comment to the New York State Thruway Authority opposing the proposal to raise tolls on E-ZPass users.
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