POUGHKEEPSIE – Senator Rob Rolison (39th District) submitted testimony opposing potential toll increases along the 496-mile New York State Thruway without the state authority undergoing a forensic audit to understand the true cause of its revenue shortfall and determine alternative revenue enhancements to charging Hudson Valley drivers 5% more next year and another 5% in 2027.
“This is an issue of critical importance to the thousands of Hudson Valley commuters who use the Thruway system every day to travel to and from work, school, and other obligations. Ultimately, local input and sound financial transparency are keys to making our roadways more equitable and effective at moving people and goods around our state,” said Sen. Rolison.
A 36-page state comptroller’s report issued in February called on the Thruway Authority to improve collection methods before moving forward with the proposed hikes of 5% in 2024 and another 5% in 2027. The report also found a large proportion of the toll scofflaws responsible for ignoring cashless tolls and tolls by mail were out-of-state drivers, costing the system millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Said Rolison, “It is imperative that the proposed 5% toll hike not move forward next year without input from Hudson Valley drivers and the small business owners who would be affected. Therefore, I urge the Authority board to consider all options on the table instead of increasing costs on our already squeezed commuters.”
Rob Rolison (R-39th District) was elected to the New York State Senate in November 2022 and is serving his first term. The 39th Senate District includes parts of Dutchess, Putnam, and Orange counties
![](https://hudsonvalleypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/WaldenSavingsBank1.jpg")
![](https://hudsonvalleypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TEAM-Newburgh.png")
