![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/chris-jacobs_0.jpg?itok=gCEK05mK)
Senator Jacobs Calls On Thruway Authority To Implement Cashless Tolling System At Grand Island Bridges
Senator Jacobs
February 3, 2017
(Buffalo, NY) – New York State Senator Chris Jacobs (SD-60) has called on the New York State Thruway Authority to implement cashless tolling at the Grand Island Bridges. In a letter to Thruway Authority Executive Director, Bill Finch, Jacobs outlined the rationale for cashless tolling at the Grand Island Bridges.
“This technology is successfully utilized at more than 35 bridges, tunnels and toll roads across the United States and is used by the Thruway Authority at the Tappan Zee Bridge in downstate New York,” said Senator Jacobs. “This technology will reduce traffic congestion, reduce air pollution and increase safety. The Thruway Authority maintains two bridge crossings in their system, Grand Island and Tappan Zee. This is another example of the unequal treatment Western New York receives as compared to the New York City area. Tappan Zee has cashless tolling and it’s time to bring cashless tolling to Grand Island.”
With cashless tolling, motorists are able to pay their toll while maintaining highway speeds, making the toll plaza a thing of the past. The state-of-the-art system collects tolls via E-ZPass and Tolls By Mail, detecting classes of vehicles and applying the correct charge.
If a motorist has E-ZPass, the toll is collected using the same process that motorists are already familiar with. If a motorist does not have E-ZPass, cameras photograph the vehicle's license plate as it passes under the overhead equipment. A bill is then automatically sent to the registered owner by U.S. Mail. A video showing how the technology works at the Tappan Zee Bridge can be viewed at http://www.newnybridge.com/cashlesstolling/.
“The Grand Island Bridges are the only way Grand Island residents can get to and from their home. Alleviating congestion, reducing pollution and increasing safety will enhance their quality of life,” Jacobs continued. “Furthermore, the Grand Island Bridges are a key connector between the tourist hubs of Niagara Falls and Buffalo. It is critical to explore ways to alleviate the bottleneck caused by congestion at the Grand Island Bridges to encourage travel between these two population centers and further enhance our regional economy.”
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to NewsroomJacobs Hails Announcement of Cashless Tolls
August 22, 2017
![L-R: Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Senator Chris Jacobs, ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky, and Governor Andrew Cuomo at a press conference announcing that cashless tolling is being implemented at the Grand Island bridges. Jacobs and Morinello sponsored legislation calling for the removal of the toll barriers earlier this year.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/dsc_0653_3.jpg?itok=2bIL1C9M)
Funding from Senator Jacobs to Support Orchard Park Train Depot
August 17, 2017
![Senator Chris Jacobs is pictured presenting a ceremonial check in the amount of $150,000 for the restoration of the Orchard Park Train Depot to, from L-R, Orchard Park Town Supervisor Dr. Patrick Keem, Village of Orchard Park Mayor Jo Ann Litwin Clinton, Orchard Park Depot Committee Co-Chairman James Slominski and Orchard Park Village Trustee Francis Hogenkamp.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/dsc_0558.jpg?itok=VqVFUQiV)
Jacobs Secures Funds in Battle Against Heroin & Opioid Crisis
August 11, 2017
![Evergreen Health Director of Substance User Health Policy Emma Fabian and President & CEO Ray Ganoe are pictured with Senator Chris Jacobs after announcing $25,000 in funds to support addiction recovery programs.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/2017_chris_jacobs_e.jpg?itok=mFD5LbBC)