New York Thruway Authority gives thumbs-up to toll hike

ALBANY, NY- New York’s Thruway Authority is giving a thumbs’ up to the latest toll increase, which is expected to commence by the new-year.

Starting January 1, 2024, Thruway tolls will jump 5% and another 5% in 2027. This toll hike marks the first for E-Zpass customers since 2010.

Despite this development, the Thruway Authority says proposed financial plans are still expected to maintain some of the lowest toll rates in the country, especially for E-Zpass customers.

For example, E-ZPass drivers on sections of the New Jersey Turnpike currently pay nearly an average of 31-cents per-mile; while New York’s latest average is 4.5-cents per-mile.

The toll increase is expected to raise average mile rates to 4.9-cents come 2027 for E-Zpass, the Thruway Authority said, while non-E-Zpass rates will jump from their current average of 5.1-cents to 8.6-cents per-mile.

The move has drawn criticism from some state lawmakers, including our State Senator, Joe Griffo. "I am disappointed that the New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors has approved increasing tolls, which I opposed and urged the board to reject," he said.

"While I recognize that there is a need to maintain the Thruway system, this toll hike will further burden New Yorkers and visitors to our state at a time when many are struggling due to high prices, rising energy costs and other economic challenges."

NYS Thruway Authority images.