Carlucci Calls On Thruway Authority To Honor Promise Of TZB Toll Hearings

NYACK, N.Y. -- State Sen. David Carlucci joined a host of locals on the Tappan Zee Bridge viewing platform Wednesday to call for the creation of a toll Task Force and for hearings to discuss a resident toll discount program.

State Sen. David Carlucci (center) is joined by Nyack Deputy Mayor Don Hammond (left) and Orrin Getz (right), a member of the Metro North Commuter Rail Council.
Photo Credit: *Provided*

James O'Rourke

01/05/2017 12:30 p.m.

According to a statement from Carlucci's office, the state senator has pushed for a number of cost-saving measures for Tappan Zee commuters, including a toll freeze lasting until 2020.

In a March 30 letter responding to Carlucci's requests, The state Thruway Authority promised to convene a Task Force before the end of fiscal year 2016-2017.

According to the letter, the Task Force was to investigate toll discount programs for Rockland and Westchester residents and report its findings before the end of 2016.

With just days left until the end of the year, Carlucci pointed out Wednesday that hearings to discuss such matters have yet to be scheduled.

“Rockland and Westchester residents are very excited for the new state of the art Tappan Zee Bridge, however, if we can not afford to cross it, it will devastate our economy,” Carlucci said in a statement.

According to Carlucci's office, the state senator has continued to push for the programs throughout 2016, filing a formal written request for hearings with the Thruway Authority as late as Nov. 29.

Similar programs exist elsewhere in the state, Carlucci said, noting that locals near the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge are charged $5.50 to cross as opposed to the standard rate of $16.

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