EDITORIAL: Thruway Authority out of control

Editorials

April 29, 2008

Staff Reports The Niagara Gazette Tue Apr 29, 2008, 04:27 PM EDT

Despite opposition from many elected officials, the Thruway Authority’s board of directors recently approved a series of toll hikes that managers say will bring in an additional $125 million annually.

The toll hike comes at the worst possible time, with worries about a faltering economy and rising gas and food prices. People are beginning to make major cutbacks in spending to make up for the rising prices. The word “recession” is being tossed around by government officials and don’t forget the mortgage crisis.

Thruway managers say the hikes were unavoidable because traffic volume hasn’t been high enough to cover the cost of a $2.1 billion highway and bridge repair plan.

Drivers who pay cash will face a pair of 5 percent hikes, while some drivers who use the EZ-Pass will see what amounts to a 28 percent increase because of higher rates combined with lower discounts for using the electronic toll collecting system.

In all, the toll increases are expected to generate an additional $25 million this year, $97 million next year and $125 million each year after that.

But where is this money really going? Are we seeing tangible improvements that warrant these hikes? Or is this just the work of an out of control, unmanaged governing body?

The Thruway Authority is an independent board with members appointed, not elected. They, in essence, do not answer to anyone — as evident by the furor that Albany leaders have expressed about this recent hike.

State and local officials have been outspoken about their outrage over the apparent free reign of the Thruway Authority, even calling for its removal.

Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has denounced the toll hikes said the entire Thruway board — appointed by former Republican Gov. George Pataki — should resign. Not often we find ourselves thinking Shelly Silver is the rational one, but even he understands the problems toll increases present.

But as of yet, no one has been able to actually take control of the Authority and make changes.

This is what happens when there is no system of checks and balances. There should be no committee or governing body that does not have someone above them. Out of control spending and rate hikes with no apparent end in sight are the result of poor planning and in the total lack of accountability.

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