Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has introduced the Toll-Free Overnight Hours Pilot Program, an innovative initiative aimed at supporting commuters and businesses while improving traffic flow and reducing costs. The program offers toll-free travel on the New York State Thruway from 10 PM to 6 AM, encouraging off-peak travel and enhancing road efficiency.

“This is about creating opportunities for smarter travel patterns,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “This pilot program supports workers and businesses while improving how we use our roads. It’s a simple, common-sense way to help New Yorkers save time and money.”

The program waives tolls on the New York State Thruway during overnight hours, encouraging drivers to travel off-peak and reducing daytime congestion. The program benefits New York E-ZPass customers exclusively, ensuring that toll-free travel advantages are reserved for New York residents and businesses. Running for two years, the pilot will gather data on traffic patterns, cost savings, and environmental impacts to evaluate its potential for long-term implementation and expansion.

For commuters, the program offers significant cost savings by eliminating tolls during overnight hours, lowering commuting expenses. It also reduces congestion during the day, allowing for quicker travel times. Businesses, particularly in trucking and logistics, will benefit from lower transportation costs and improved delivery efficiency, as reduced congestion leads to faster, more predictable travel. Additionally, the initiative optimizes road use by easing peak-hour strain and contributes to environmental improvements by reducing vehicle emissions from idling.

“This pilot program is designed to encourage off-peak travel and reduce congestion while helping businesses and commuters save money,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “By focusing on smarter road use and ensuring New Yorkers see the greatest benefits, we’re building a better transportation system for all.”