N.Y. State to Lay Off Thruway Workers

The New York State Thruway Authority plans to lay off about 150 toll takers, drivers, mechanics and other workers, as the result of its decision last year to scrap a plan for new tolls on trucks, the  Syracuse (N.Y.) Post-Standard reported.

The authority late last year canceled a proposed plan to raise Thruway truck tolls by 45% after months of opposition from trucking and business groups, who said a hike would hurt the state’s economy.

In total, about 234 workers at the Thruway and Canal Corp. will lose their jobs this week, the Post-Standard reported, citing state officials. 

The downsizing is part of an effort by Thruway management to make up nearly $100 million in annual losses at the agency that oversees the 570-mile east-west highway, the newspaper reported.