For Immediate Release: 06/03/2020
Contact: Office of Media Relations and Communications | (518) 471-5300 | public.info@thruway.ny.gov
THRUWAY AUTHORITY TO RESUME CASH TOLL COLLECTION ALONG THRUWAY’S TICKETED-SYSTEM TONIGHT
Emergency Toll Procedures Have Been in Place Since March 22 Due to COVID-19
New Enhanced Safety Measures Will Include Plexiglass at Cash Toll Lanes to Protect Toll Collectors and Motorists
Drivers Encouraged to Sign Up for E-ZPass - The Only Contactless Method to Pay Tolls
The New York State Thruway Authority today announced cash toll collection will resume along the Thruway’s ticketed-system tonight, Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. After this time, the Emergency Toll Procedures that have been in place since Sunday, March 22 will be suspended, and drivers will receive a toll ticket upon entry and be able to pay their tolls with cash at a staffed lane when exiting the Thruway. Drivers with E-ZPass will continue to experience contactless travel and payment at all tolling locations.
“During these unprecedented times, we thank all of our toll collection staff and customers who have seamlessly adjusted to the ever-changing conditions that COVID-19 has presented,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “As we move forward, we will be taking every step possible to protect our workforce and drivers while continuing a high level of service our customers have come to expect.”
As the collection of cash tolls resumes, drivers will notice enhanced safety measures in place at all toll plazas for the protection of toll collectors and motorists. This includes the installation of plexiglass that will separate collectors and motorists to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Toll collection staff will continue to wear face coverings and sanitize workstations periodically throughout their shifts. Cash customers may experience delays at toll plazas as regions across the state begin the new phases of the reopening process.
The Thruway Authority urges motorists to sign up for E-ZPass, which is the only contactless method to pay tolls, and provides the added benefits of saving time and money. Construction continues on the Authority’s systemwide transition to cashless tolling by the end of 2020 when cash payment will no longer be accepted. Motorists can sign up for E-ZPass online.
In order to create the most streamlined and efficient payment method possible, non-E-ZPass customers who traveled the Thruway’s ticketed-system between March 22 and June 3 at 11:59 p.m. will receive one toll bill which includes all accumulated tolls and no additional fees. Toll bills will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle at the address on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Customers can pay with a credit card through the Thruway Authority’s website or by mail.
E-ZPass customers and the Thruway’s seven cashless tolling fixed-price barriers were unaffected by the Emergency Toll Procedures.
More information about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and New York State’s response can be found at forward.ny.gov.
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The Thruway is scheduled to convert to an entirely cashless tolling system by the end of 2020. For more information and project updates, go to thruway.ny.gov/cashless.
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subject to the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA), the Public Authorities Law, and the State Environmental Quality Review Act. Public hearings for SAPA will be conducted in 2020.