In a letter to the New York State Thruway Authority, Gov. Andrew Cuomo requested to convene a task force of Thruway, state, federal and local officials to explore ways to reduce toll increases.
New York’s governor said the projected 2017 toll scheduled based on the $5.2 billion estimated cost for the new Tappan Zee bridge is too high. Round trip cash toll is estimated to be $14 under the new, transit-capable bridge plan.
“Over the next five years, we must find alternatives, revenue generators and cost reductions that reduce potential toll increases,” the letter said.
Cuomo said the task force should work to seek maximum federal support, including funding from the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, expand discount programs, seek financial mechanisms that lower the cost of credit and borrowing, and ensure that toll increases go toward bridge and regional transportation only.
The governor pointed to a recently developed discount program for Staten Island residents that reduces the toll burden of interstate bridges.
Authority chairman Howard Milstein said in a statement that officials would consider the recommendations outlined in his letter.
“We share the governor’s goal of keeping tolls on the new bridge as affordable as possible to reduce the economic burden on local residents and all who use the bridge,” Milstein said.
