Griffo urges Thruway Authority to ‘revisit’ and ‘reverse’ decision to hike tolls

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, today sent a letter to Joanne Mahoney, chair of the New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors, expressing his disappointment in the authority’s recent decision to increase tolls on motorists using the highway system.

 

At a recent meeting, the board approved a 30 percent increase and $2 surcharge on bills mailed to New York motorists who do not have E-ZPass, as well as a 15 percent increase for out-of-state E-ZPass customers. 

 

The increases are set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021.

 

Sen. Griffo, who has raised concerns in the past about the detrimental effect that toll increases would have on motorists and the state’s economy, is calling for the board to revisit and reverse its decision to implement a toll hike. He had previously outlined his concerns in written comments to the authority.

 

“It is disappointing that the Thruway Authority has decided to implement toll hikes throughout its system,” Sen. Griffo said. “These ill-timed increases will further burden, strain and hinder New Yorkers and their families at a time when they are facing significant financial difficulties and uncertainty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Thruway Authority must reconsider and reverse its unfortunate decision to increase tolls. It is the right, responsible and reasonable thing to do.”

 

A full copy of Sen. Griffo’s letter is below:

 

December 2, 2020

 

Joanne M. Mahoney

Chair

NYS Thruway Authority Board of Directors

200 Southern Boulevard

Albany, NY 12209

 

Dear Chairwoman Mahoney,

 

I am disappointed in the New York State Thruway Authority’s Board of Directors’ decision to increase tolls on drivers throughout the system, especially at a time when residents of the state are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

While I understand that the system has not increased tolls in roughly ten years, I would ask that you and your fellow members of the board revisit and reverse this decision. It would be prudent for everyone in New York State government, including the Thruway Authority, to be sympathetic to the financial considerations of residents during the pandemic and its subsequent economic fallout.

 

I look forward to the board of directors making the decision to halt this impending increase.

 

Sincerely,