Executive Director Michael Fleischer, Esq.

Biography

Michael R. Fleischer has served as Executive Director of the New York State Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation since April 2003.

Mr. Fleischer is the Chief Operating Officer of the 570-mile Thruway and the 524-mile Canal System. Combined, the two transportation entities employ more than 3,500 people and generate nearly $600 million in tolls annually. As Executive Director, Mr. Fleischer oversees the day-to-day operations of the Authority while directly reporting to a Board of Directors consisting of seven members appointed by the Governor of New York State, with the advice and consent of the New York State Senate.

The Thruway is the largest toll superhighway system in the United States. In addition to the 570-miles of centerline roadway, the Thruway has jurisdiction over 807 bridges, including the Tappan Zee Bridge which is used by nearly 150,000 vehicles per day. The 524-mile Canal System includes 57 locks and 16 lift bridges. The Authority has an annual budget of over $1 billion, including $400 million in operating and $600 million capital and equipment expenses.

Under Mr. Fleischer’s leadership, the Authority’s efforts are focused on preserving the Thruway’s infrastructure, E-ZPass improvements and enhanced customer service, while implementing operational efficiencies at the Authority. Under Mr. Fleischer’s tenure, the Authority has adopted a multi-year capital improvement program to preserve the Thruway’s road and bridge conditions and maintain the high levels of safety and service on the Thruway, while also initiating various customer service improvements.

The Multi-Year Capital Plan will result in improved highway connections while providing for the construction of new highway-speed E-ZPass lanes, along with additional higher-speed and dedicated E-ZPass lanes. These projects will improve mobility, reduce congestion and result in enhanced service for Thruway customers.

In January 2007, the Authority opened the first highway speed E-ZPass lanes along the New York State Thruway at the Spring Valley Toll Barrier, allowing commercial E-ZPass customers to drive through the area at highway speeds. Only commercial vehicles pay tolls at Spring Valley. Additionally, construction began in early March 2007 to improve operations at the existing Woodbury Toll Barrier by introducing the use of Highway Speed E-ZPass for both passenger and commercial vehicles. This project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009.

Also under Mr. Fleischer’s tenure, the Authority has initiated a number of customer service improvements. The Thruway Regional Advisory Network System (TRANSystem) provides customers with real-time traffic, weather, construction and emergency information through synchronized media, designed to afford the customer the ability to make educated decisions on travel routes. Updated travel information is available through the use of a toll-free number, the Authority’s website, Highway Advisory Radio, Dynamic Message Signs, and through TRANSAlert, the Authority’s free, electronic communication service which informs customers of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel along the Thruway via email and/or text messaging. The TRANSAlert email service will also be used to disseminate real-time AMBER Alerts to promptly alert motorists of child abduction cases, when needed.

In March 2007, the Authority announced free Wireless Internet Service (Wi-Fi) access at all 27 Thruway Travel Plazas located along the 641 mile superhighway. The Wi-Fi system provides free Internet access to customers who visit the Travel Plazas with Wi-Fi enabled devices.

Other initiatives implemented under Mr. Fleischer’s direction are improved signage and lane delineations at toll plazas, more higher-speed (20 mph) E-ZPass lanes at a number of locations systemwide, and the implementation of E-ZPass On-the-Go, a program that allows travelers to purchase E-ZPass tags at retail establishments and Thruway Travel Plazas.

The Thruway is the principal artery of travel and commerce within New York connecting the State’s principal cities, and it is a vital link to long distance interstate travel. In addition, the Thruway provides the major route of access for visitors to the State’s tourist magnets including Niagara Falls, the State Canal System, the Finger Lakes, the Adirondacks, the Catskills and New York City. Along the Thruway are 27 service areas providing restaurant-style food options, fuel and tourist information.

In 1992 and 1993, legislation was adopted which, among other things, created and transferred jurisdiction of the State Canal System to a subsidiary corporation of the Authority and authorized the Authority to assist in or finance the development of certain projects.

Prior to joining the Authority/Corporation, Mr. Fleischer served as First Deputy Commissioner for the NYS Department of Transportation, where he was directly responsible for the development and implementation of the Department’s $1.65 billion highway and bridge program, as well as the Department’s $4 billion annual budget.

Mr. Fleischer received a Bachelor's Degree in Government from Hamilton College in 1988; he received his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, from Western New England College’s School of Law in May 2006; and was admitted to the Bar of the State of New York in January 2007. He resides in East Greenbush, NY, with his wife, Alicia and their five children.