Senator Carlucci Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Keep Tolls Affordable on the Tappan Zee Bridge

Today Senator David Carlucci celebrated  a toll relief plan at Memorial Park in Nyack for residents of Rockland and Westchester counties. The plan aims to offset the possibility of rising costs for residents who commute over the Tappan Zee Bridge. The initiative includes a discount for residents of Rockland and Westchester counties, a tax credit for toll expenses, a plan to go after chronic toll evaders and the consolidation of services between the Thruway Authority and the Bridge Authority.

Senator Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) expressed a desire to help alleviate commuting expenses saying, "In this area in the Hudson Valley, the question about the tolls on the Tappan Zee Bridge remains an unanswered question, and it's a concern that people have. I think we could have a beautiful bridge but if we can't afford to cross it, it could crush our economy.”

The Resident Discount would require the New York State Thruway Authority to grant Rockland and Westchester County residents with a discounted rate for the Tappan Zee Bridge at 60% of the original toll.

The Toll Tax Credit intends to establish a personal income tax credit for tolls paid by resident taxpayers during the course of commuting to and from their place of employment. The credit would provide $250 for single filers or $500 for those filing jointly.

Nyack Mayor Jen White said, “Although the new bridge is still under construction, we need to be thinking ahead to tackle any possible increase in future tolls. I want to thank Senator Carlucci for coming out with this comprehensive proposal to tackle tolls head on.”

Senator Carlucci also unveiled a plan to suspend the vehicle registration of chronic toll evaders and classify evasion as a crime. A recent report conducted by the Associated Press found that one cab driver from New York City owed $28,000 alone in tolls while the Tappan Zee Bridge loses about $5,000 a day in revenue.

Finally the plan includes legislation to have the bridge and thruway authority work together to find ways to consolidate services in order to save taxpayer dollars. Hav

 Having these authorities work together to save money will help alleviate budgets and keep tolls low.

Senator Carlucci continued, “It shouldn't be for local residents to bear the burden of this national infrastructure project," he said. "Just because you live close to this infrastructure project doesn't mean that you should be the ones to foot the whole bill."