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ALBANY
Travelers endure another toll hike
Thruway fee goes up 5 percent
BY AMEERAH CETAWAYO Gazette Reporter

    Today begins a 5 percent toll increase on the New York State Thruway, leaving commuters and trucking firms frustrated as the increase marks the second hike in the past year. Approved in April 2008, the higher toll is expected to provide $27 million in additional cash in the first year.
    New York State Thruway Authority spokeswoman Betsy L. Graham said it is important to note that the rate for a passenger vehicle between the almost six-mile stretch between Exits 24 in Albany and 25 in Schenectady will not change, remaining at 30 cents for cash customers and 29 cents for E-ZPass customers. The rate for a commercial vehicle will go up a nickel from $1.40 cash to $1.45, and from $1.33 E-ZPass to $1.38, she said.
    She said the increase is needed for maintenance and capital improvements.
    Details of the increase include a 5 percent hike in cash and E-ZPass rates at most exits. The Thruway’s annual permit plan will jump $4, from $84 per year to $88. ..............>>>>............>>>>..............http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r01101&AppName=1

I'll bet the need for another toll increase is due to the fact that fewer people are using the Thruway due to the high tolls and this toll hike will just make the problem worse and they will have to hike tolls again.

SHOW ME THE $$ TRAIL

I agree, Shadow.  In fact, starting now, I will do my best to starve the Thruway of any funding that I would pay to them.  That includes communting back and forth between 25 and 24 (which, by the way, if you look at the prices after the last 2 raises of "5%" has actually gone up 50%) and any other trips where I may be able to avoid it.  I have a proposal that I would like to bring up, but I need to find someone who actually would be able to do anything with it...not that I'll be able to find that person.

It's time to give this highway back to NY - get rid of the Thruway Authority - or better, just give them the canals.  Get rid of the tolls on these roads, let the state maintain them, just as they do the rest of the interstates (I-88/890/490/287, etc). Yes, it'll put some out of work at the TA, but my guess is, NYS will hire them to the DOT in a heartbeat.