ALBANY, N.Y. – New York Senate Transportation Committee member Sen. Joseph Griffo, R, C-Rome, continued his advocacy for New Yorkers having problems with the New York State Thruway Authority’s cashless tolling system during Tuesday’s transportation budget hearing in Albany.
During the hearing Griffo spoke with Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank Hoare. Griffo continues 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.
“When cashless tolling was first proposed, I expressed concerns about how it would operate and potentially impact those who utilize the Thruway,” Griffo said. “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.”
Griffo has continued to address problems with cashless tolling. He also urged state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to consider an audit. The audit would 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 Griffo asked DiNapoli to further examine the cashless tolling system so that additional changes can be implemented to alleviate ongoing problems.
“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,” Griffo said.
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. 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,” Griffo said. “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.”
