What's happening
This bill creates a toll advisory task force to review and recommend changes to New York state thruway toll rates and discount programs.
Why it matters
Creates a formal process for public input on toll policies. By requiring at least four public hearings—including in Rockland and Westchester counties—the bill ensures everyday drivers, residents, and businesses have a direct forum to voice their concerns and suggestions about toll rates and discounts.
Brings multiple stakeholders into decision-making. The task force includes appointees from the governor, senate, assembly, and key transportation officials, potentially leading to more balanced and representative recommendations for toll policies.
Could impact affordability and fairness. By specifically directing the task force to review commuter and resident discounts, as well as commercial vehicle rates, the bill could lead to changes that make toll costs more equitable for frequent users, local residents, and businesses.
Links toll policy to major infrastructure funding. The explicit mention of reviewing toll increases related to funding for the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge highlights the connection between toll revenues and the financing of large public works, which may influence future toll-setting practices and transparency.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Study Bridge and Road Tolls
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Study Bridge Toll Discounts
In Senate Committee · Transportation · Sponsor David Carlucci
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1878
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 17, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. ZEBROWSKI -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to establish the toll advisory task force, and providing for the powers and duties thereof
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Toll advisory task force. 1. The commissioner of transportation and the chairman of the New York state thruway authority shall convene a toll advisory task force to review the New York state thruway authority's current toll rates, commuter discount options, resident discount programs and commercial vehicle rates in order to ensure affordable travel on the toll roads and bridges within the state.
2. Such task force shall consist of eight members. Such members shall be as follows: two members appointed by the governor; two members appointed by the temporary president of the senate; two members appointed by the speaker of the assembly; the commissioner of transportation, or his or her designee; and the chairman of the New York state thruway authority, or his or her designee.
3. The task force shall be co-chaired by the commissioner of transportation and the chairman of the New York state thruway authority, or their designees.
4. The goals of the task force shall include, but are not limited to, the study and evaluation of the New York state thruway authority's:
(a) current toll rates;
(b) commuter discount programs;
(c) resident discount programs;
(d) rates issued for commercial vehicles;
(e) any other special toll discount plans; and
(f) potential toll increases as related to funding for the Governor Mario M. Cuomo bridge.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01230-01-9
A. 1878 2
5. The task force shall hold a minimum of four public hearings. At least one public hearing shall be held in the county of Rockland and one public hearing shall be held in the county of Westchester. During the public hearings, the task force shall hear the testimony of voluntary witnesses, shall provide an opportunity for public comment, and may request the production of any documents the task force deems reasonably necessary to carry out its responsibilities.
6. The task force shall make a report to the governor and the legislature of its findings, conclusions and recommendations on or before December 31, 2020.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.