As rising fuel prices in the U.S. continue to strain drivers' budgets, a new toll hike is coming to highways in New York state. Under a regulation previously approved by the New York State Thruway Authority, tolls will be increased by 5 percent as of January 1.
The regulation will increase expenses for individual drivers as well as the transportation sector, which is already struggling with diesel costs and supply chain issues. It was noted that fees will be higher for those using E-ZPass electronic toll systems issued outside the state and for drivers paying by mail.
With the new tariff, the toll paid by a driver traveling from Albany to Syracuse will rise from 6.03 dollars to 6.34 dollars. On the Buffalo route, the fee will increase from 12.78 dollars to 13.41 dollars.
In line with a decision made in September 2023, a 5 percent increase had also been implemented in 2024. That increase was recorded as the first rate change applied since 2010.
REASON FOR THE HIKE: INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS
Officials stated that the primary reason for the increase in tolls is the funding required to renovate highway infrastructure. It was reported that the decrease in traffic density during the pandemic and a 470 million dollar infrastructure need that could not be met under the current investment program were influential in the decision.
It was stated that approximately 85 percent of the highway infrastructure in New York dates back to the 1950s when it was first built, and 75 percent of the bridges are more than 60 years old. The Thruway Authority emphasized that the revenue generated from tolls is used for road safety, maintenance, and renovation work.
In the transportation sector, cost pressure is not limited to tolls alone. A bill currently on the agenda in the U.S. Congress proposes increasing the mandatory minimum liability insurance amount for trucking from 750 thousand dollars to 5 million dollars.
Zach Miller, Vice President of the Trucking Association of New York, stated that they do not oppose the toll hike decision, noting that the long-term lack of toll increases has exacerbated maintenance needs on the highways. Miller expressed that repealing the highway use tax applied in the state could be more effective in easing the burden on the sector.
This is not a problem unique to the Thruway; it is a result of the economic environment we are currently in.
News Source: 12punto
