Major Changes On New York State Thruway Announced

Major changes were implemented on the New York State Thruway in hopes of slowing the spread of coronavirus.

The Thruway Authority announced emergency toll procedures started on Sunday at cash toll lanes on the Thruway’s ticketed-system. The plan will convert the collection of cash tolls to toll billing by the license plate during the novel coronavirus response in New York State. The procedures will be in place until further notice.

“We are implementing these emergency toll procedures for the health and safety of our employees and motorists,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “ we continue to enhance safety measures to protect toll collectors and motorists. We thank the toll collection staff and all of our workforce for their dedication during this public health crisis.”

Effective immediately, when non-E-ZPass customers enter the Thruway in a cash lane, they will continue through the lane without collecting a ticket. When the customer exits the Thruway, they will inform the toll collector which exit they entered the Thruway and provide the toll collector with their license plate information, without paying cash to the toll collector.

Motorists will then be sent a bill in the mail in approximately 30 days. Toll bills will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle at the address on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Once they receive a bill in the mail, customers can pay with a credit card through the Thruway Authority’s website.

Customers without an E-ZPass should not enter an E-ZPass lane, as they will receive an E-ZPass violation. E-ZPass customers should travel through E-ZPass lanes and be billed as they normally would. E-ZPass customers who travel through a cash lane will be given a green light to pass through by the toll collector.

Motorists who wish to save time and bypass the emergency toll procedures can sign up for E-ZPass online, officials say.