Legislation sponsored by Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) to allow Triborough bridge and tunnel officers to retire with half-pay after twenty years of service, regardless of age, has passed the New York State Senate.

Current law allows TBTA bridge and tunnel officers, sergeants and lieutenants to retire with 20 years of service at age 50. This legislation would eliminate the age requirement.

"Bridge and tunnel officers must staff TBTA facilities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," said Senator Larkin. "They are constantly exposed to toxic exhaust fumes from buses, trucks, automobiles, natural gas powered vehicles, and soot from diesel exhaust. Since recent health studies have confirmed the relationship between cancer and exposure to diesel exhaust, I believe that these employees should be allowed to retire after twenty years no matter how old they are. They shouldn’t feel forced to stay on the job until they turn fifty."

At peak hours, the bridge and tunnel officers can handle up to 300 vehicles per hour.

The bill has passed both the Senate and Assembly and has been sent to the Governor.