Tools

Trucking companies say proposed Thruway toll hike "too much to absorb"

By HILARY LANE

Story Created: Jun 5, 2012 at 12:55 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 5, 2012 at 12:55 PM EDT

MARCY, N.Y. (WKTV) - The New York State Thruway Authority's proposed 45% toll hike for commercial vehicles is not sitting well with local truck companies.

Representatives from Teal's Express Inc in Marcy say they have about 17 trucks that head out each day and 38 trucks that come in each night, and the toll increase that is currently on the table would be too much for the company to absorb.

"You can't keep raising it and expect someone is going to keep passing it on to the consumer, because our consumers cannot keep passing on our expenses to somebody else," said Michael Teal, President of Teal's Express Inc.

Teal says that if the toll increases become a reality, most of their trucks would begin taking back roads through small towns that are not usually maintained as well as the thruway.

Teal says he does have very large trucks made up of two attached trailers, which are required by law to use the Thruway.

Currently, it costs about $88 in tolls for a truck traveling from Buffalo to New York City on the Thruway. It could go up to $127.

What's On