By TOM RYAN First published: Monday, December 17, 2007
A long line of officials is railing against proposed increases in Thruway tolls. Some believe separating the canal system from the Thruway will solve the problem, while others call for abolishing tolls altogether. Neither idea is new, and some history is in order.
The inspiration for our superhighway came when New York was still in its ascendance as the Empire State. And like the Erie Canal the century before, users paid for it on their own. Bonds were sold for construction, and tolls paid them off. The canal opened the West to development, ensured the new nation would survive economically, and made New York the Empire State. Today's modern waterway is the direct descendant of that enormously important historic asset, and many people believe it can emerge again as a new economic force. The Thruway was also a huge success, becoming the model for our nation's highway system. And by 1996 when the bonds were retired, drivers would ride for free -- like the "freeways" in California, which were funded by Washington. But ending tolls meant merging the Thruway with the state highway network, requiring maintenance expenditures from the General Fund. New York had returned from the brink of bankruptcy during its fiscal crisis the decade before, and didn't need a major new claim on the state treasury (the Thruway was then spending five times as much for maintenance per lane mile than state Department of Transportation did on its system). So in the early 1980s, official thoughts turned to keeping the tolls, and over time that urge became more appealing as an unusual but effective alliance of politicians, transportation officials, bureaucrats and special interests swung into action! Why? The Thruway is a cash cow. It provides lucrative contracting opportunities, employs thousands of people, is among our last bastions of raw political patronage, and drains nothing from state coffers. How could state government resist keeping the tolls? The icing on the cake was a study commissioned by toll advocates that found one-third of tolls were paid by out-of-state drivers. Eureka! Amid a recession in the early 1990s, the Thruway was generating an extra $100 million annually. Keeping the tolls and using the excess for new purposes was now irresistible. In 1991, voters approved a constitutional amendment that made way for The Thruway 2000 Act of 1992 -- proposed by Gov. Mario M. Cuomo and overwhelmingly approved by the Legislature -- that expanded the Thruway's mission and provided a reason to sell new bonds. Tolls were here to stay. Among other new responsibilities, the Thruway was given the canal system, relieving the state of a $30 million annual outlay. The stated purpose was to recast canals as great tourism attractions and a source of new upstate economic development. Thruway 2000 was intended to allow the canal to become more self-sustaining through waterway tolls and long-term leasing of canal land.Unfortunately, Thruway lawyers effectively killed leasing by making environmental problems the responsibility of tenants, ending most interest in private development. From 1992 to 2002, only 10 long-term leases were completed along a 624-mile waterway with thousands of acres of state-owned waterfront. The new source of potential revenue never materialized. The Thruway's only major foray into canal real estate -- a single developer was sold rights to 30,000 acres for a pittance -- resulted in an embarrassing public scandal that seems to have ended efforts at new public-private partnerships. During 15 years of Thruway control, the canal's cost climbed nearly triple the rate of inflation to about $80 million a year (which is less than 10 percent of the Thruway Authority's annual budget). Economic benefits of the investments have not been quantified, and the number of boats using the locks is about the same as 20 years ago. Most canal proponents believe the Thruway marriage was a good one. Thruway funding preserved and rehabilitated the canal, putting locks, dams and other structures in a state of good repair. Seven new canal harbors provide attractive destinations that welcome tourists, and when completed the 360-mile Canal Recreationway Trail will likely attract many thousands of cyclists every year. Less impressive is the effort to make the canal corridor a true catalyst for economic development to benefit upstate New York. Tolls were the same for 14 years as Gov. George Pataki disallowed increases until the end of his last term, so it's no surprise the Thruway board raised them as soon as it could and plans to do so again. The authority wants to shed the canal, and most observers doubt it's simply a coincidence that the projected toll increase equals the amount spent on the waterway. There is a keen interest in what the state comptroller's report will say. Ironically, appointees of the last administration will decide toll increases, an indication of how illusive change can be in state government. Tom Ryan is president of the nonprofit State Council on Waterways. He headed the Canal Planning & Development Board, a legislative commission administered by the state Department of Transportation, from 1987 to 1992.
By CATHY WOODRUFF, Staff writer Wednesday, December 19, 2007
ALBANY - The Thruway Authority board today approved a $1.13 billion budget for next year, including the final phase of a toll increase package approved in 2005.
The board also gave the go-ahead for hearings and other processes related to more proposed toll hikes. The board will not be asked to act on the proposal for several months, and Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer said changes in the plan are possible before then. Under the 2008 budget approved today, motorists who pay cash for their tolls will pay 10 percent more in January, yielding $25 million in revenue next year to help support a $2.1 billion capital plan approved two years ago. Because of unexpected declines in Thruway travel and sharply rising construction costs, the Thruway's staff now is recommending additional toll increases to sustain the capital program, which includes repairs and upgrades to bridges and pavement. The first part of the plan would cut discounts for E-ZPass users in half to 5 percent in July. Two 5 percent general toll increases would take effect in 2009 and 2010. The $80 annual fee for a commuter permit would rise to $84 in 2009 and $88 in 2010. Cash tolls at most barriers and bridges would go up in January 2009, and some bridge and barrier commuter plan fees would go up in 2009 and 2010. The Thruway Authority now plans to begin a series of hearings and impact studies on the newly proposed toll increases.
Thruway funding preserved and rehabilitated the canal, putting locks, dams and other structures in a state of good repair. Seven new canal harbors provide attractive destinations that welcome tourists, and when completed the 360-mile Canal Recreationway Trail will likely attract many thousands of cyclists every year.
OK that's nice....but, up until this point----SHOW ME THE MONEY TRAIL.....I hear a sucking sound and a hissing sound which indicates a leak......hhhmmm, who has a new car, roof, bathroom, remodel, camp, boat etc?????
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During 15 years of Thruway control, the canal's cost climbed nearly triple the rate of inflation to about $80 million a year (which is less than 10 percent of the Thruway Authority's annual budget). Economic benefits of the investments have not been quantified, and the number of boats using the locks is about the same as 20 years ago. Most canal proponents believe the Thruway marriage was a good one.
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
The higher the tolls, the fewer the users, the higher the tolls
I was extremely intrigued by the recent comments from Thruway Executive Director Michael Fleischer regarding the justification for the latest (requests seem to come annually now) proposed toll increases [Dec. 9 Gazette]. Apparently, the need arises from a reduction in usage — less usage results in less income. The proposed remedy is to raise tolls — which will likely result in even less usage — resulting in another toll increase, etc. The last poor schmo will end up paying about a million dollars per mile — one trip and he’ll be bankrupt — then there will be no usage, and we can close the Thruway. What a cost savings! This is a terrific plan; let’s do it now. What are we waiting for? Does the Thruway Authority think that the general public is really naive enough to buy such a lame excuse for another increase? We all understand that this is just another way to pour more money into their “slush” fund — another hidden tax that can be used to fund who knows what. But they’ll find something to spend it on — likely, all or some for more employees, employee benefits and/or new toys. If the Thruway is really in need of funds, it should find some way to reduce expenses. Anyone who has ever driven by a Thruway maintenance project can’t miss the huge fleet of equipment and associated operators, signs, flagmen, sitters, watchers and those keeping the seats warm in all of the vehicles. I wonder what annual savings would result from a reduction to a reasonable staff level — certainly, a lot more than another rate increase. In fact, this could easily lead to a reduction in tolls, which just might yield an increase in usage. Enough already! R. L. CLINGERMAN Rexford
I have to agree, especially the point about the 10 trucks along the road with drivers in them and 2 guys filling a pothole in the front of the parade. What a waste of money that could be used to hold the tolls down.
I agree Clingerman. Just the flagmen/women alone make a great hourly wage w/bennies and they are considered low man/woman on the totem pole. The authority can also learn what cut spending means. Perhaps we as regular old citizens should start carrying our digital cameras with us and start taking pic's of all public employees!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Just about every company in the USA has cut back on spending and their labor force except the public sector. NYS has to cut back on their labor force too if we ever hope to see lower taxes and a spending cut.
You are correct shadow. But for sure if they got rid of some public jobs, where in the hell would these people get jobs? NYS has done such a fine job of keeping private business out and from giving private businesses an incentive to stay, that there are no jobs to be found. Our NYS government has created and employment beast!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Cost of ticket to ride Thruway rises E-ZPass users avoid 10% increase that takes effect today on the toll road By CATHY WOODRUFF, Staff writer First published: Sunday, January 6, 2008
If you're among the shrinking number of holdouts who still haven't signed up for E-ZPass, you'll be paying more for your trips on the state Thruway today. Cash tolls were set to go up 10 percent at midnight in the final phase of a controversial package of increases approved by the Thruway Authority in 2005.
The first phase, which went into effect in May 2005, was the first toll hike in 17 years -- 25 percent for cash-paying car drivers and an average of 35 percent for truckers paying cash. At the same time, E-ZPass discounts of 10 percent for cars and 5 percent for trucks were introduced. While toll increases never inspire a celebration, the hike should be a bit less painful this time around, thanks to the growing popularity of E-ZPass, noted Bill Joyce, president of the New York State Motor Truck Association. "I think it's more palatable because there is a way to avoid that cost," Joyce said. "That's different from an across-the-board increase, where everything goes up and you have no way out of it." Cash remains an option that Joyce compared to choosing a full-service gas station. "If you want that personalized service, you're paying a premium for it. You can pay more if you want someone to smile at you when you pay your 30 cents," he said. In fact, since cash tolls are going up while E-ZPass tolls are not, the effect will be to increase the value of E-ZPass discounts. Here's an example: The 45-cent E-ZPass toll between Albany Exit 23 and Schenectady Exit 25 reflects a 10 percent discount from the old 50-cent cash toll, but it provides an 18 percent discount over the new 55-cent cash toll. Looking at it another way, E-ZPass motorists will save 10 cents on the trip, rather than 5. More motorists and businesses are qualifying for the discount as the financial incentive becomes stronger. The number of E-ZPass accounts is up about 25 percent since the discount plan went into effect in May 2005, the authority said. Now, more than 61 percent of Thruway transactions at toll booths, bridges and barriers are conducted using E-ZPass. That's up from 25 percent 10 years ago. Still, there are some motorists who just don't want to use E-ZPass. They use the Thruway infrequently, or they pass through less-congested toll plazas when they do use the highway. Perhaps they don't consider paying tolls electronically worth the red tape involved with keeping an account. Many farmers probably fall into one or more of those categories, said John Tauzel of the New York Farm Bureau, which vigorously opposed the 2005 toll hike and is preparing to fight another one being proposed now. "Many of our farmers don't run on the Thruway all the time. They may transport apples or bees or use the road only at harvest time, so it doesn't make sense to have E-ZPass," he said. "I think this is going to have an impact on them."
Cash remains an option that Joyce compared to choosing a full-service gas station. "If you want that personalized service, you're paying a premium for it. You can pay more if you want someone to smile at you when you pay your 30 cents," he said.
It's like saying--"so you like black and white films where the characters actually have dialogue and no cars blow up and their bodies are clothed."
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Cash remains an option
sounds like--"the cancer is contained, but, we cant be sure."
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Cash will loose it's face here,,,no more cash for trade,,,,it will be credits for trade, that is all the thruways are for is for trade with tractor trailers bringing us all we want to buy to the stores that we use ATM/Credit cards at.....all those shiny new state quarters for nothin'....just another museum trinket.....
I still think we should trade in chickens......
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
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