The New York State Thruway Authority on Monday voted to begin a process that could lead to the first toll increase on E-Z Pass customers since 2010.

If approved, E-Z Pass customers would see a 5% rate increase on Jan. 1, 2024 and an additional 5% in 2027. On the Mario Cuomo Bridge, rates would increase by 50 cents each year until they reach $7.75 in 2027.

What You Need To Know

  • The New York State Thruway Authority voted to move forward with a proposal to increase toll rates for the first time in 14 years

  • Some thruway drivers could pay an extra $10

  • Rates for 2023 are frozen

This is to make up funds for capital projects that have been lost to the pandemic and to pay down debts.

In 2020, toll revenues declined by $125 million and there are currently $470 million worth of capital projects that are not supported by the existing budget.

The New York State Thruway Authority did not receive any federal, state or COVID-19 relief funding.

This would be the first toll increase for E-Z Pass customers since 2010.

On Monday, the Thruway Authority Board motioned unanimously to move forward with the next steps which involve a one-year process of three public hearings.

“We have a responsibility to maintain the infrastructure,” said Thruway Authority Chair Joanne Mahoney. “I mean this is safety. This is the driving public. And for me, you know, it’s very easy to just say 'no we don’t want toll increases.' But I haven't heard of any other solutions. While we expect that we will get a lot of pushback from people. I would ask everybody to kind of tune into offers of other solutions.”

If this toll increase were to take effect as proposed, it would cost New York E-Z Pass holders an extra 61 cents to get from Buffalo to Albany. For non-New York E-Z Pass holders, or people with no pass at all, there would be a 75% upcharge which is nearly $10. The current toll rates for 2023 are frozen.