Thruway Authority Executive Director Tom Madison and Governor Andrew Cuomo talk to reporters about the Thruway's 2013 budget plan that will not include a toll hike.
Heather Briccetti President and CEO of The Business Council talks to reports about the Thruways decision not to raise Thruway tolls.
ALBANY—The Business Council is pleased that there will not be an increase in Thruways tolls on commercial vehicles.
Given New York's current economy and the need to create and retain private-sector jobs, we applaud Governor Cuomo for his efforts to work with the Thruway Authority and resolve this issue by consolidation and cost management, not a toll increase. This action is another example of the Governor's continued commitment to improve New York's economy by controlling costs rather than by increasing taxes and fees.
In May, Thruway officials proposed a 45 percent toll hike on truck traffic to help close the agency's $92 million operational deficit.
The new plan involves elimination of a $60 million per year payment to the state for State Police patrols, a six percent overall reduction in the Authority's payroll (mostly through attrition), and reductions in debt and overtime costs.
This decision by the Thruway Authority will keep New York's toll costs competitive when compared to neighboring states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, and avoid an unnecessary cost burden on businesses and consumers that rely on the trucking to supply raw materials, supplies, and products to conduct business.