Thruway Authority Hopes to Modernize Toll Collection BUFFALO (wned) - The portion of the New York State Thruway that runs through metro-Buffalo may one-day become toll-free. The idea is being floated in a study released Thursday by the Thruway Authority.

A draft-study on modernizing the 50-year-old New York Thruway looks at several alternatives for collecting tolls in the future. The preferred model, according to Buffalo Division Director Thomas Pericak, locates toll barriers on the mainline Thruway away from metro areas, like Buffalo.

"It's a system that promotes free travel in urban areas, provides benefits for those with E-Z Pass and basically is a more efficient system," he said.

Pericak says moving tolls on the 500-mile highway would cost more than $1-billion.

Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul supports the plan, but recognizes funding is a problem. She hopes Buffalo will be the first to see the changes.

"I'm asking them to take a look at just doing Western New York as a pilot," Hochul said.

Pericak says at this point the study is for future planning. He says due to declining revenues in the current economy, no funding has been allocated for moving any toll plazas. © Copyright 2009, wned