News from New York State Thruway Authority

For more information contact: Office of Public Affairs, 518-436-2983

Thruway Authority Reminds Motorists that AAA is Accepted Along the Thruway System

ALBANY, NY (07/17/2008; 1359)(readMedia)-- The New York State Thruway Authority reminds motorists that the Authority and AAA have an arrangement by which AAA members can use their membership cards for roadside assistance and towing services along the Thruway system.

The Authority is now in the process of installing signs system-wide to inform motorists that they can use their AAA cards for roadside assistance along the Thruway.

"For the safety of Thruway travelers, only authorized service providers are allowed to assist disabled vehicles on the Thruway," said Michael R. Fleischer, Executive Director of the Thruway Authority. "AAA members will be able to continue to utilize their membership cards should their vehicle become disabled along the Thruway."

"AAA is pleased to partner with the Authority to enhance the safety and convenience of travelers. AAA members should remember that they need only show their membership cards to obtain roadside assistance services," said Ed Welsh, General Manager of AAA New York's Central Region.

The Authority would also like to remind travelers that in the event that a vehicle becomes disabled, an authorized service provider would first attempt to make your vehicle operable. Available roadside services include: tire change with usable spare, battery boost, and delivery of up to three gallons of fuel.

If a vehicle cannot be made operable, towing services will be provided to a service provider's garage or a safe area outside of an interchange. Patrons also have the option of towing to a destination of choice, providing a method of payment can be made.

Service and towing rates are posted on the back of the invoice. Questions regarding rates or copies of rates are available by writing to:

NYS Thruway Authority

Director, Traffic Management

P.O. Box 189

Albany, NY 12201-0189

The Authority prides itself on operating one of the safest and best maintained highways in the nation, striving to keep this infrastructure safe and open for travel at all times. Roadside service as well as dedicated State Police patrol is part of this effort. With this renewed arrangement roadside services for Thruway patrons will be more convenient than ever.

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The Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. To sign up for the TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/ .