The New York Thruway Authority, which runs a 570-mile toll highway, has seen a drop in the number of toll-paying riders in recent years and a significant increase in costs. At the same time, it is charged with developing a plan for covering a $5.2 billion replacement for the Tappan Zee Bridge.
In addition to making budget cuts and scaling back plans for future construction, the authority wants to increase tolls 45 percent for commercial trucks. That means a trip from Albany to Buffalo would cost $89.73, up from $61.89.
The proposal has received harsh criticism from business groups, which say the costs ultimately will be passed onto consumers. The Thruway Authority is scheduled to vote on the toll hikes in late September after holding a series of hearings around the state.
Read more about the issue in today’s Journal News.
