Griffo cracks whip at Thruway Authority over lingering issues, problems with cashless tolling

ALBANY, NY- New York State Senator Joe Griffo scolded the Thruway Authority this week over lingering problems that have dragged on with the state’s cashless tolling system.

During a transportation budget hearing on Tuesday, the Senator relayed issues that he continues hearing from constituents to the Thruway Authority Executive Director, Frank Hoare.

“My office continues to hear from a concerning number of people who have experienced erroneous billing and other problems with this initiative and who continue to be inconvenienced by it through no fault of their own,” the Senator said in a released statement.

It has been more than five-years since New York State went forward with its cashless tolling system on the Thruway.

According to Griffo’s office, New York’s cashless tolling project was intended to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and allow for nonstop travel on the state’s toll roads, bridges and tunnels by installing specialized equipment such as cameras and sensors that can read E-ZPass tags and capture license plate images.

“I understand the importance of having transportation infrastructure in place that can efficiently and effectively move people throughout the state,” Sen. Griffo said.

“However, it is imperative that we make sure that this infrastructure, including cashless tolling, operates as intended and does not create additional financial burdens and challenges for those utilizing it.”  

With this technology in place, motorists are no longer required to stop to pay tolls, but the state has since had to wrangle with drivers who distort their license plates or use what are known as “ghost” plates to avoid tolls.

Griffo has continued to engage with the Thruway Authority as part of his ongoing efforts to address problems with cashless tolling. He also previously communicated with state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and urged his office to consider an audit to ensure that cashless tolling is operating properly and that safeguards are in place to protect the traveling public. 

After an audit by the Comptroller’s Office found some improvement but still work to be done to address issues, Sen. Griffo asked Comptroller DiNapoli to further examine the cashless tolling system so that additional changes can be implemented to alleviate ongoing problems.

New York State Senator Joe Griffo image.