Albany Watch

Defying Gov. David Paterson and state leaders, the state Thruway Authority today approved raising tolls on the 641-mile long superhighway starting in July.
The Thruway Authority has been under immense political pressure to reject a toll increase, yet the board voted 5-1 to go ahead with the hike.
A discount for E-Z Pass customers will be cut in half starting in July and an overall 5 percent increase will go into effect in January 2009, with another 5 percent increase in 2010.
Other increases in 2009 include a 50 cent increase to travel over the Tappen Zee Bridge, bringing the total roundtrip fare to $5. The commuter fee, for regular customers, will rise from $2 to $3 on the bridge.
Board members argued that they have little choice but to go ahead with the toll increases, which would bring in about $375 million in revenue over the next four years. They said the Thruway needs repair; a delay would only cause further road deterioration.
“For the money, the motoring public is getting a very, very safe system, a system which everyone feels comfortable riding on – and that’s what we are all about here,” said authority board chairman John Buono.