In an egregious move, once again New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has vetoed the Toll Payer Protection Act, robbing motorists of their right to due process in disputing cashless tolling violations. Motorists have reported a wide range of problems from excessive, non-negotiable late penalties many times that of the original tolls, not receiving notices, registration suspensions, and refusal of the agencies to offer payment plans. The new year brings new tolls. To add insult to injury the NYS Thruway Board approved a proposal that will raise tolls for all users on the Mario M. Cuomo (Tappan Zee) Bridge beginning in 2021 but will keep tolls flat on the rest of the Thruway system.
Passenger vehicles with a commuter E-ZPass will see an increase of 5 percent in 2021 and an almost 10 percent increase in 2022. Standard E-ZPass users will see increases of 10.5 percent and 9.5 percent while users with out-of-state E-ZPass will see increases of about 21 percent and 9.5 percent. Those without E-ZPass will get the biggest hit with increases of 36.6 percent and 9.5 percent in 2021 and 2022
The new year brings new tolls that will have a devastating effect on commerce as commercial vehicles get hit hammered under the proposal. In 2021 a 31 percent increase would be implemented followed by an additional 30 percent in 2022. Commercial vehicles with an out-of-state E-ZPass will see an increase of 50 percent in 2021 following be an increase of 30 percent in 2022 while users without an E-ZPass will get smacked with a 70 percent increase in 2021 and an additional 30 percent in 2022.
The Tappan Zee toll increases are expected to come at the same time as the congestion pricing debt scheme which will further exacerbate the problems with cashless tolling.
In addition to the Tappan Zee and congestion pricing, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will be raising tolls as well. Beginning January 5th, 2020. A typical 5-axle truck will see an increase from the current toll of $85 to $90 if crossing during off-peak hours. Crossing during peak hours will see a toll of $95 and trucks without E-ZPass will pay $110. See below:
It is unlikely that shipper’s will be able to eat the costs of all these tolls meaning the costs of goods and services in the New York Metro region will likely increase.
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