The rate hikes proposed for individuals traveling without an E-ZPass along the Thruway are now official.
The State Thruway Authority passed its budget Tuesday morning, along with a motion to increase tolls for drivers who don't have the pass.
If you do have an E-ZPass, your rates don't change. But if you don't, then starting January 1, you will see a 30% increase for tolls.
That bill will now be mailed to you, with the cashless tolling system going into place last month.
If you have an out of state E-ZPass, you're also going to be charged 15% more than the New York rate. And large trucks will have to pay 20% more than the passenger rate.
The Thruway is still going to offer a commuter rate for the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, which is 40% below the E-ZPass rate, but the price tag for that pass will also go up 50 cents.
And one other note: If you don't have an E-ZPass, you will be charged a $2 administrative fee with every bill.
Some lawmakers, including state Senator Jim Tedisco, fought the plan, calling it discriminatory against those who don't possess a credit card, as it's needed for an E-ZPass.
State officials say there hasn't been a toll price increase in 10 years.
"With the holiday season quickly approaching, we’re glad Senator Tedisco is focused on saving money for his constituents, which is exactly what E-ZPass does," said Thruway Authority spokesperson Jon Dougherty. "E-ZPass is free and has multiple payment options for all motorists including the Pay Per Trip plan which only deducts tolls after each use."
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to clarify the commuter rate changes refer solely to the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, and to clarify the toll price has not increased in 10 years, according to state officials.