Good news for any driver running freight in the northeast, the huge toll hike that was proposed for the NY Thruway has been cancelled. In an 11th hour decision, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the New York State Thruway tolls would not be increasing.
Up until the 17th of December, the New York State Thruway Authority was planning on raising tolls on the interstate by 45% for commercial vehicles only. The tolls for riding the thruway from start to finish would have gone from $88 to $127 and cost truckers $85 million dollars annually. The toll hikes were meant to help pay for repairs and improve the financial outlook as the state moves to replace the Tappan Zee Bridge, the longest bridge in New York State, which has fallen into disrepair.
“After working with Governor Cuomo and his administration to find additional cost saving measures and permanent reforms, today I will present the Thruway Board of Directors with a new cost saving plan that does not include any toll hike,” said Executive Director of the Authority, Thomas Madison. He was quick to point out that the operating budget for 2013 will be 21% less than it was in 2012.
Both the New York State Motor Truck Assn. and the Truck Renting & Leasing Assn. were extremely vocal and powerful opponents of the new tolls. Though no statement was made as to why the toll hike was being revoked, OOIDA and other members of the industry are crediting truckers for holding fast and making their voices heard.
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Sources: fleetowner, landlinemag
Image Source: wikipedia
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