ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Plans for cashless tolling along the New York State Thruway took another step forward Monday.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said that the New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors has approved the selection of the design-build team that will complete installation of cashless tolling along the entire Thruway system by the end of 2020.
Cashless Tolling Constructors, LLC submitted a proposal which will go to the NYS Comptroller for approval.
Cuomo said the $355 million project will transform the Thruway system for the millions of drivers that use the superhighway each year.
The system is already being used at certain fixed-price barriers in the lower Hudson Valley and the Grand Island Bridges in Western New York.
Construction of the full cashless tolling system is expected to begin in late summer and early fall of this year. When it is fully operational, drivers will go right under special gantries that have sensors and cameras that read EZ Pass tags and take license plate images so that vehicles don’t have to stop to pay tolls.
Customers who pay using 'Tolls by Mail' will pay the same toll rate previously paid by cash customers, and EZ Pass customers with New York accounts will continue to receive a five percent discount.
After the construction of the new system is completed, the existing toll plazas and barriers will be removed in phases.
In preparation for the new system, the Thruway Authority reminds all drivers that state law requires they keep their address current with the DMV to make sure Thruway tolls are mailed to the proper vehicle owner.