New York increases tolls for 2024

The price of tolls for those traveling across the Empire State is set to increase at the start of next year.

On Sept. 18, the New York State Thruway Authority’s Board of Directors approved a system-wide increase for all users next year.

Beginning in January 2024, the base rate for in-state E-ZPass users will increase by 5% outside of fixed-rate tolling points. A second 5% increase will take effect in January 2027.

As for out-of-state E-ZPass and Toll by Mail users, the standard commercial rates will increase about 75% per mile for both groups by 2027. Despite the increase, the agency claimed the new rates “will remain below the current standard rates of many other systems across the nation.”

With the heaviest discounts being applied to New York E-ZPass users, it should be noted that an individual is not required to be a New York resident to open a New York E-ZPass account and receive the reduced rate.

Originally proposed in November 2022, the vote to increase tolls comes after months of scrutiny from state legislators and the general public.

On June 9, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association sent a letter to the Thruway Authority’s board of directors opposing a rate increase, calling the proposed hike “excessive and discriminatory.”

“While OOIDA supports robust and cost-effective investment in infrastructure, we strongly oppose the discriminatory scheme you have proposed because it disproportionately affects small-business trucking, especially those domiciled outside New York who haul critical freight in or out of the state,” the Association wrote in a letter signed by President Todd Spencer.

Despite the opposition, Joanne M. Mahoney, chair of the Authority’s board of directors, said the increase was necessary for maintaining the state’s tolled infrastructure.

“The toll adjustments approved today by the Board of Directors follow a year-long public process and represent a responsible approach to ensure continued investment in the 570-mile Thruway system for years to come,” Mahoney said in a statement.

According to the agency, 75% of the 815 bridges on the Thruway are more than 60 years old. Currently, 85 bridges have been identified for replacement over the next decade, with a projected cost of $800 million. LL