ALBANY – As the New York State Thruway Authority considers hiking tolls on some commercial vehicles by as much as 45 percent, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said the agency should first explore all other options to increase revenue and cut costs.

A DiNapoli analysis released on Wednesday says that operating costs have increased by 36 percent over the past 10 years, but revenues have not kept pace. Debt service payments have nearly doubled to $181.9 million over the same period, necessitating increased revenue.

“Imposing a large toll increase could have damaging effects on consumers and businesses at a time when many New Yorkers are struggling to recover from the recession,” the comptroller said.  “Too often in the past the Thruway has pushed costs and difficult decisions to the future by raising tolls or borrowing. The Thruway’s fiscal condition has deteriorated, but a new leadership team has begun to make changes. The Thruway should do more before relying on yet another toll hike to make ends meet.”