Toll Billing Errors Put New York State Thruway Drivers on Alert

Tolls just went up on the New York State Thruway, and drivers are already paying more to travel. Now, a new audit shows some are also getting hit with billing mistakes.

At Exit 25A in Schenectady, more than 44,000 transactions were wrong in just three weeks. Around 36,000 drivers were billed when they shouldn’t have been, while another 8,000 who should have paid slipped through without a charge. To make matters worse, 92,000 tolls couldn’t be billed at all because cameras couldn’t read license plates.

That may not sound like much compared to the millions of transactions on the system, but it can still mean headaches for anyone who opens a bill and sees unexpected charges. With tolls higher, drivers want to be sure they’re only paying what they owe.

The Thruway Authority says most transactions are correct and that it’s rolling out new checks to catch errors sooner. But auditors flagged other issues too, including more than 12,000 E-ZPass tags that are exempt from charges and discounts for some drivers that aren’t closely monitored.

According to Spectrum News, the comptroller’s office is recommending tighter oversight, periodic transaction reviews, and better documentation of toll settlements. Meanwhile, the Thruway Authority is also looking at its mailing system to prevent billing mistakes.

If you drive without E-ZPass, have moved, changed license plates, or think your bill looks off, you can check your account or dispute charges at tollsbymailny.com or by calling 1-844-826-8400.