The New York State Thruway Authority is requesting input from truckers and other road users to guide upcoming improvements to its 27 service areas. Feedback collected this September through the new Fuel Facilities Survey will help shape facility upgrades and support a forthcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for vendors, as current fuel contracts expire in 2027.
“As we prepare for the next generation of fueling services, this comprehensive survey is a critical step in ensuring that upgrades reflect the real needs and expectations of both commercial and noncommercial drivers,” said Frank G. Hoare, executive director of the Thruway Authority. “We’re inviting all users to help shape the future of fueling on New York’s Main Street.”
Service Area Overview
Stretching 570 miles from New York City to Buffalo, the Thruway is one of the nation’s longest toll roads and serves as a critical route for both passenger and commercial traffic. In 2024 alone, drivers completed 8.2 billion miles on the thruway, with the Authority processing approximately 400 million transactions. More than 21.4 million travelers stopped at the 27 service areas, purchasing 58.2 million gallons of fuel.
The Thruway’s service areas are owned by the Authority and operated through concession agreements, offering fuel, restaurants, and other traveler amenities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Past and Ongoing Upgrades
This survey builds on a significant modernization effort to improve food options, shopping, restrooms, and additional amenities at all service centers. In 2021, the Authority partnered with Empire State Thruway Partners in a $450 million public-private initiative to revamp the facilities without using tolls or tax dollars.
This year, the Thruway Authority’s budget includes $477.3 million for capital projects, an increase of $33 million from 2024. According to the Authority, this funding will address 61% of the roadway’s 2,800+ lane miles and replace or rehabilitate 20% of its 817 bridges.
Survey Focus Areas for Truckers
The Fuel Facilities Survey is designed to gather insights from drivers in about four minutes and addresses key topics, including:
- Truck parking availability
- Fuel purchase habits
- Travel patterns along the Thruway
- Electric vehicle readiness for medium- and heavy-duty EVs
- Convenience store features, payment options, preferred fuel types, sustainability initiatives, and suggestions for improvement
“The thruway is one of the safest roadways in the country, with a fatality rate far below the nationwide index, and toll rates are among the lowest in the country compared to similar toll roads. The Thruway Authority’s top priority is the safety of our employees and customers,” the agency said.
“The Thruway Authority is dedicated to providing a modern, efficient, and customer-first experience for every traveler that uses our system,” Hoare added.
Truck drivers and other users are encouraged to complete the Fuel Facilities Survey online through the Thruway Authority’s website to ensure their perspectives are included in planning the next generation of service area upgrades.
Image Source: Business Insider
Source: Transport Topics
