Proposed NYS Thruway Toll Hike Criticized

A plan to raise New York State Thruway truck tolls by 45 percent continues to be criticized by business leaders and others across the state.

The Thruway Authority board has canceled two meetings over the past week. The board won't reveal when it intends to act on the proposed toll increase.

A business coalition called Unshackle Upstate has been fighting the possible hike.

Executive director Brian Sampson was headed from Rochester to Albany this morning when he learned the Thruway Authority board had again postponed its meeting without explanation.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program after he returned to Rochester, Sampson described the situation as "very frustrating."

Sampson said the authority board isn't accountable to New York state taxpayers.

Unshackle Upstate has expressed concern about the economic impact of the proposed toll increases.

Sampson said 90 percent of what New Yorkers consume is transported by truck. He said "if trucks are going to pay more, merchants are going to pay more, we're going to pay more."

Sampson said the toll hike could result in higher prices for food, clothing, gasoline and almost everything else New Yorkers use every day.

Sampson said the if the increases are implemented, there'll be significant negative effects on the state's manufacturing and agricultural businesses.

A Thruway Authority spokesman indicated the board plans to continue evaluation the toll hike proposal but he provided no details as to when the matter might be resolved.