BILL NUMBER: S540
SPONSOR: TEDISCO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring
legislative approval of increases in fees, rentals and charges for the
use of the thruway system
 
PURPOSE:
Requires the Thruway Authority to obtain Legislative approval before
implementing toll increases which are greater than those required to
fulfill obligations to bondholders and to provide for the maintenance
and operation of the existing Thruway system.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section. 1 adds a new subdivision 8 to section 354 of the public author-
ities law, as amended by section 2 of part TT of chapter 54 of the laws
of 2016, setting forth conditions under which Legislative approval may
be required prior to implementation of a Thruway toll increase.
Section 2 is a severability clause.
 
EXISTING LAW:
Existing law makes no provisions for Legislative over-sight of Thruway
toll increases.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Throughout the years, Thruway toll increases have drawn a firestorm of
opposition from motorists and truck operators. An initial increase of
10% in 2006 was followed by 5% increases in 2009 and 2010. This means
that drivers paid $370 million more in tolls. Additionally, the recently
implemented cashless toll system will raise fees on motorists without
E-ZPass transponders.
Increasing Thruway tolls amounts to geographic discrimination against
upstate residents, who are already struggling due to the current econo-
my. Toll increases may also divert commercial traffic to alternate
routes, such as the Pennsylvania Turnpike, resulting in revenue losses
to businesses such as fuel stops and restaurants.
Requiring Legislative approval for toll increases, which exceed the
amount necessary to fulfill bondholder obligations will ensure a full
public review of impacts on the upstate regions served by the Thruway.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
02/03/17: S.4145 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
01/03/18: S.4145 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
01/09/19: S.352 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
01/08/20: S.352 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
01/06/21: S.173 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
01/05/22: S.173 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
01/04/23: S.105 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
01/03/24: S.105 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S540: 354 public authorities law, 354(8) public authorities law