We have at least a year before a toll hike for the state Thruway takes affect.

And, in this time of inflation and ever-escalating costs, the Thruway is probably due for an increase in tolls.

But that doesn’t mean the Thruway should get all that it is asking for.

Thruway officials are proposing a 5% toll hike starting in 2024 with a second 5% bump in 2027. Those who don’t use an E-ZPass would see their tolls increase to 75% more than the E-ZPass rate. That additional toll is 30% more than the E-ZPass rate. And, that’s a problem for drivers who cross state lines regularly since the E-ZPass from their home state doesn’t register in New York state. Either those drivers will pay the additional rate or buy a second E-ZPass for New York state — which is a pain for drivers either way.

Thruway officials say the toll hikes are needed to pay for necessary maintenance on the Thruway. But we recall an audit of Thruway finances by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli back in 2008, when the last Thruway toll hike took effect, that called for the Thruway to cancel its planned toll hikes because the authority significantly under-estimated federal funding, did not implement aggressive cost-cutting measures, failed to collect millions of dollars in unpaid tolls and E-ZPass fees, wasted millions of dollars through the Canal Corporation, and implemented several non-essential capital projects. A related audit also found $4.5 million in unpaid E-ZPass tolls from 2000 through 2005, with those unpaid tolls generating another uncollected $22.9 million in administrative fees. Auditors recommended the Thruway Authority do more to improve its ability to collect unpaid tolls and fees.

There will be public hearings held this year before any toll increases take effect. And one thing that should happen is a new audit by DiNapoli’s office. If Thruway officials haven’t followed the advice given by DiNapoli 14 years ago, then the toll hike should be pared back. The state Thruway should have to live within its means during this period of high inflation just like the rest of us. A new audit will show whether the Thruway Authority is being smart with the money you’ve given it before being given the OK to take more of your hard-earned dollars.