When cashless tolling was first proposed, I expressed concerns about how it would operate and potentially impact those who utilize the Thruway.
Since then, my office continues to hear from a concerning number of people who have experienced erroneous billing and other problems with this initiative and who continue to be inconvenienced by it through no fault of their own.
While I recognize that no system is perfect and understand that occasional errors will occur, it is evident that the current system is not working and that a new remedy is needed.
I recently had the opportunity to express concerns to Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank Hoare at a transportation budget hearing in Albany.
The exchange with Hoare comes as I have continued to hear from constituents about issues that they are experiencing with the cashless tolling system despite the initiative being implemented more than five years ago.
Sen. Joe Griffo. (Photo: The Legislative Gazzette).
I have continued to engage with the Thruway Authority as part of his ongoing efforts to address problems with cashless tolling. I also previously communicated with state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and urged his office to consider an audit to ensure that cashless tolling is operating properly and that safeguards are in place to protect the traveling public.
After an audit by the Comptroller’s Office found some improvement but still work to be done to address issues, I have asked Comptroller DiNapoli to further examine the cashless tolling system so that additional changes can be implemented to alleviate ongoing problems.
New York’s cashless tolling project was intended to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and allow for nonstop travel on the state’s toll roads, bridges and tunnels. Existing toll plazas and barriers were removed, and overhead structures called gantries were erected at interchanges and other locations along the state’s Thruway system.
The gantries support specialized equipment such as cameras and sensors that can read E-ZPass tags and capture license plate images. With this technology in place, motorists are no longer required to stop to pay tolls because the sensors and cameras suspended over the highway will read each license plate and mail a toll bill to that vehicle’s registered owner.
I understand the importance of having transportation infrastructure in place that can efficiently and effectively move people throughout the state.
However, it is imperative that we make sure that this infrastructure, including cashless tolling, operates as intended and does not create additional financial burdens and challenges for those utilizing it.
