The New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors on Monday approved a 5% toll increase starting Jan. 1 on the New York State Thruway system following a 10-month long public process. A second 5% rate hike is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2027.

Non E-Z Pass holders, however, will see rate hikes of 15% or more during that span. The toll increase, the Authority said, creates a responsible, stable financial plan and ensures the Authority can meet its future capital and infrastructure needs. The Thruway is a user-fee supported roadway and receives no dedicated federal, state or local tax dollars.

Monday’s vote marked the end of a public toll adjustment process that began in December 2022. The process included five public hearings in 2023, receipt and consideration of 210 public comments, completion of the Environmental Assessment for the proposed toll modification, as well as the completion of all of the necessary actions required by the Public Authorities Law, the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).