People who drive the Thruway without an E-ZPass could be seeing a rate hike pretty soon. But before it happens, the New York State Thruway Authority is giving the public a chance to share your two cents.

One of three virtual public hearings was held Tuesday to discuss the proposal to adjust tolls.

What the Thruway wants to do is increase tolls by about 30 percent for any vehicles that do not have an E-ZPass. If you have one, your rates would stay the same. These changes are scheduled to take place January 1.

The rate increase has a lot to do with the new cashless tolling system that's been going up, and that system is actually going to be up and running in a matter of weeks. The $355 million project has been in the testing phase and is set to go live next month. 

During the first meeting Tuesday, people looked for assurance that workers who need to use the tolls can afford any inflated costs.

"Keeping the toll as low as possible has to be the priority. And we have to make sure that we're not penny-wise and pound foolish," said State Senator David Carlucci.

"If you do not currently have a New York State E-ZPass, I strongly urge you to consider getting one as soon as possible. With E-ZPass, there are numerous discount plans to match your needs, regardless of how often you travel on the thruway," said NYS Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew Driscoll.

In 2021, you'll see some more construction as the state plans to remove toll plazas and realign the interchanges.

With toll booths going away, that means the job of toll workers will also be going away, affecting 1,200 part-time positions. State officials say they are working to ensure those workers find new positions.

"Typically what happens with the public sector contracts in the civil service positions, there is the ability to transfer into similar type jobs. That's something the executive branch handles," said State Senator Pat Gallivan (R).

Once the cashless system goes live, drivers without an E-ZPass tag will have bills sent in the mail.

You can weigh in, or find out more about Thruway changes, at two other virtual public hearings this week. Wednesday's hearing is scheduled for 4 p.m., and Thursday's will be at 6 p.m.

You can go to the Thruway website to register for one of the public hearings or read more about the rate hike.

You can register for an E-ZPass here.