Recently went through the great state of New York to visit Niagra Falls. Here comes an exaggeration, but it felt like we passed a toll every five minutes on Interstate 90. I knew we were passing a toll area because of the signs declaring a toll, saying no EZ Pass, dial **826 to avoid penalties (with additional not so vague threats).
Let’s not forget that we stopped in New York state twice to purchase gasoline, each time paying a state tax for each gallon of gas. Also while in New York, again visiting Niagra Falls, we purchased Maid Of The Mist tickets, paying state taxes again. Let’s not even mention food and beverages, etc., again paying state taxes.
So, what did we receive for all of these state taxes? Seriously? What? Oh yeah, a fifteen minute boat ride (which happened during the solar eclipse – way cool).
But back to the state tax on each gallon of gasoline. Isn’t that supposed to be for road maintenance? Why all these tolls? Why all these additional taxes?
Not wanting to be penalized, we contacted **826 and signed up for text message notifications for bills. When signing up, we were notified that it could take up to two weeks for the toll bill to be generated.
Fast forward to first notification of toll bill. It was for ten something dollars, something we felt was too reasonable for New York, but we paid it.
A day ago, we received another notification. An additional thirty-two dollars this time.
My gripes — if it’s being done electronically, why more than one bill? If it’s electronic/computerized, wouldn’t they have everything almost instantly? Why are we paying taxes on gas, and paying to use their freeways? Why almost forty-three dollars to pass through this overpriced state? Why am I afraid that we are going to receive another bill after I pay the second one?
Again, F**k New York!!!
As a follow up, the New York, steal your money saga is not over. Just received another bill via text (2024-05-14 – over a month after the passage). Went to site, and an additional $21.14 showed up. With that paid, we’re at $56.00 to pass through that $h!t hole, money stealing, state. Never again.