Members of the New Paltz Rescue Squad use the state Thruway pretty often for their important work. Business Administrator Meghan Goodnow estimates they'll get on the tolled highway five to seven times a month. But the tolls they pay to use it are starting to take a toll themselves. 

“Because we get on and off at the same exit, we get charged either two different amounts," Goodnow said. "One would be the entire length of the Thruway, or we get charged a double fee. Regardless, it's not correct.”  

She says the rescue squad spends about $900 a month on tolls, and that’s after disputing and correcting charges over the phone that sometimes takes two to three hours each month. 

What You Need To Know

  • New Paltz Rescue Squad members say they are consistently mischarged when using the Thruway to respond to calls

  • They spend 2-3 hours a month on the phone, disputing these charges

  • N.Y. Thruway Authority says that motorists should take steps to make sure their tolls are accurate, like ensuring their E-ZPass is properly mounted 

A spokesperson for the New York Thruway Authority said they do everything possible to try and assist motorists and emergency services with issues from their E-ZPass bills.

They said that folks can do several things to ensure they don’t face problems, like properly mounting their E-ZPass and updating the credit card they use when necessary. According to the Thruway Authority, about 96% of transactions are successful. 

Goodnow said there’s a level of frustration speaking with customer service because those hours on the phone could be better spent elsewhere. 

“I'm able to do backup calls when everybody else is out taking care of patients," she said. "And if I'm on hold for an extreme period of time, obviously it does trickle down and affect everything.”

Some relief could be coming for EMS stations across New York. 

Assembly Member Chris Eachus has sponsored a bill that would exempt emergency medical service vehicles from paying the Thruway toll through a special permit.