Dear Governor Hochul,

We write to urge you to take immediate action on behalf of the thousands of New Yorkers who have become trapped by overwhelming E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail debt.

Across our state, hardworking residents have watched relatively small toll charges grow into hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars because of excessive fees, penalties, billing disputes, broken transponders, and a system that is often difficult to navigate. We’ve heard stories about a school teacher in Long Island whose $28 late fee – which was the result of EZ pass entering her account number incorrectly - skyrocketed to over $3500 even though they admitted the account error was theirs, but required her to enter into a payment plan or face losing her registration. A working rideshare driver from Brooklyn saw a $2.95 toll charge balloon to over $30,000 in fees.

For too many families, there is no clear, transparent, or standardized process for resolving toll debt, disputing charges, or entering affordable payment plans. The result is confusion, financial hardship, and debt that continues to grow far beyond the original tolls. Too many New Yorkers believe they have been caught in a predatory system that punishes people without providing a fair path to resolution.

A 2025 report by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli identified continuing concerns involving toll collection oversight, billing accuracy, and notice procedures, reinforcing the need for greater accountability and improvements to the system. His findings underscore the urgent need for a toll system that is fair, transparent, accountable, and proportional.

We believe New Yorkers deserve a system that works for them, not against them. We are not asking to avoid paying tolls. We are asking for a process that is fair, transparent, consistent, and proportional.

For that reason, we respectfully urge you to implement the End the Toll Trap: Fair Resolution Plan, which includes:

1. IMMEDIATE RELIEF

Create an immediate relief program for New Yorkers facing overwhelming E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail debt.

2. FAIR PAYMENT OPTIONS

Establish one transparent, statewide hardship and payment program with clear eligibility standards.

3. ACCOUNTABILITY

Ensure accurate billing, timely notices, responsive customer service, and stronger oversight of toll collection practices.

4. PROPORTIONAL & REASONABLE FEES

Create a fair and proportional process that prevents excessive penalties from turning modest toll charges into crushing debt.

5. TRANSPARENCY & APPEALS

Guarantee every New Yorker a clear, accessible process to dispute charges and receive a timely and fair resolution.

As you move forward, we also encourage you to convene a statewide working group that includes impacted motorists, members of the Legislature, consumer advocates, and community organizations to help develop and implement the Fair Resolution Plan. The people most affected by this system deserve a meaningful voice in creating the solutions.

Governor Hochul, New Yorkers deserve better.

You have the opportunity to restore confidence in our toll system by implementing reforms that are fair, transparent, accountable, and proportional.

We respectfully ask you to work with the Legislature, community leaders, and impacted New Yorkers to implement the End the Toll Trap: Fair Resolution Plan and build a toll system that works for the people of this state.