Mixed Reviews as the New York State Thruway Celebrates Anniversary

The New York State Thruway Authority is celebrating its fifth anniversary, while some are wishing it had never happened.

Most drivers across New York remember a time when all drivers using the New York State Thruway had to stop their vehicles to collect a ticket when they entered the highway. When they were ready to exit, drivers stopped at a toll booth, turned in their ticket to a toll collector, and paid the appropriate toll.

Toll Booths Close on New York State Thruway

That all changed five years ago when the New York State Thruway officially eliminated its former ticketed system of collecting tolls and introduced New York drivers to cashless tolling.

New York State Thruway Authority Celebrates 5th Anniversary

According to a recent post on the New York State Thruway Authority's Facebook page, it was during the overnight hours of Saturday, November 14th, 2020, when New York's longest highway system, spanning over 570 miles, went cashless and introduced New York to the gantry.

The post dated November 13th, 2025 stated,

"Five years ago tonight, the New York State Thruway officially went cashless! In the overnight hours, the Thruway’s former ticketed system switched to cashless tolling, and toll booths were decommissioned."

 

The post also said that since cashless tolls were introduced, the NYSTA has recorded more than "1.9 BILLION" transactions and that traffic is moving "smoother" than ever.

Is Traffic Better on the Thruway?

Many drivers who use the NYS Thruway regularly would agree that traffic has definitely gotten better since the change. The days of the long lines of cars waiting to pay a toll are gone, which many agree is great, but the new system has also presented a few new problems.

SEE ALSO: Enormous Drug Bust on the New York State Thruway

Some drivers have complained about billing errors. "Smoothly? Just ask all the people who get erroneous bills how smooth the system is," said one commenter. Others complained about receiving bills late in the mail and being charged $50 late fees.

1000+ Jobs Lost in New York

Another comment said, "5 years ago today, I lost my job!!! Thanks NYS for the awesome reminder!!!!!" When the change to cashless occurred, it was reported that approximately 1,100 toll collectors lost their jobs.

Most of the jobs lost were part-time positions, as many of the full-time employees were either eligible for retirement at the time, according to WHEC. Others were offered other positions within the NYSTA.

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After five years, do you think the change to cashless was a good move, or would you prefer the old tolling system? Let us know through our station app above.

We understand that it will never go back to the way it was, but some of us (me) miss the quick interactions we would have with toll collectors. Thoughts???