Opponents Urge Action Against N.Y. Thruway Toll Hike

Members of the New York State Assembly are asking the public to help them block the New York Thruway Authority from raising tolls, the Syracuse Post-Standard reported Tuesday.

State Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D) at hearing Monday urged residents who oppose the 10% proposed toll hikes to call Thruway Authority board members and urge them to vote no on the measure, the paper reported. The board is scheduled to meet Wednesday.

Stirpe and Assemblyman Will Barclay (R) urged Gov. Elliott Spitzer (D) to try to persuade Thruway Authority board members to reject rate hikes.

Tolls are scheduled to rise by 10% in January. Thruway Authority board members are proposing additional 5% increases for 2009 and 2010, and $4 to $8 increases for E-ZPass annual permits, the Post-Standard reported.