WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — Monday morning, construction crews began removing toll booths from plazas in Williamsville and Lackawanna.

The Thruway Authority said they are among six highly trafficked plazas that should be deconstructed before the end of the year. It expects to have all 52 plazas and roughly 230 toll booths removed by early summer.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said there's no need for them now that cashless tolling is live.

"It will give commuters something that's precious: time back in their lives. You'll be able to plan better. You'll know how long your trip will take or go to the stores or go somewhere to recreate," she said.

Thruway Authority Executive Director Matt Driscoll said about 77 percent of the customer base has E-ZPass and will not have to receive a bill in the mail. However, the toll rate will increase by 30 percent in January for those who don't get one.

"We continue to message to people the importance of getting an E-ZPass," Driscoll said. "It's the best way to travel. It's the cheapest way to travel and we encourage people to get an E-ZPass."