Thruway Authority Board OKs Toll Hikes

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Be prepared to dig a little deeper in your pockets to drive on the Thruway.

Following a 10-month public process, the New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors approved Monday a toll adjustment on the Thruway system.

The board said the toll adjustment creates a responsible, stable financial plan and ensures the authority can meet its future capital and infrastructure needs.

Frank G. Hoare, the Thruway’s acting executive director, said the vote by the board maintains some of the lowest toll rates in the country and fulfills the system-wide operating, debt service and capital needs for the Thruway’s financial plan.

“This proposal was developed to ensure the safety and reliability of the Thruway by providing the Authority with additional revenue to meet our infrastructure and operational needs,” he said.

Beginning Jan. 1, the base NY E-ZPass rate will increase by 5 percent outside of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, representing the first toll adjustment for these customers since 2010.

A second 5 percent increase will take effect in January 2027.

Standard toll rates for non-NY E-ZPass — currently 5.1 cents per mile for passenger cars — and Tolls by Mail rates — currently 5.8 cents per mile for passenger cars — will increase to 8.6 cents per mile for both groups by 2027. These rates will remain below the current standard rates of many other systems across the nation, according to the Thruway Authority.

Similar adjustments will be made to all rates system-wide (Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and other fixed rate tolling points) and for the non-NY E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail commercial rates as well. This change results in toll rates that are comparable with what other cashless tolling facilities charge nationwide. Under this plan, the differential will not be applied to NY E-ZPass customers, making it the most affordable payment option available to all motorists who sign up for a tag, the authority said.

Motorists can view what the adjusted toll rates will be on the 2024 Toll Adjustment Calculator on the Thruway Authority’s website.

The fixed toll rate at the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge for NY E-ZPass customers will increase beginning Jan. 1 by 50 cents each year through 2027. In 2027, the base NY E-ZPass rate for passenger vehicles will be $7.75. Commercial toll rate increases will be proportionate to the passenger rate increases.

In addition, the plan preserves the 40 percent commuter discount plan and increases the resident discount from 17 percent to 20 percent for qualified Rockland and Westchester residents on the Cuomo Bridge. The Authority said, in 2021, more than 30 percent of all tolls collected on the Cuomo Bridge were discounted through commuter and resident plans.