Commuters are pleased to hear there will be no toll increases for 2016 on the New York State Thruway and that includes the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Thruway Authority officials made the announcement on Monday during a meeting in Albany.

"That's great! I am really tired of paying tolls, they're getting higher and higher every year, so that's great," says Leisha Green, of Sleepy Hollow.

Officials have also delayed the opening of the first span from the end of 2016 to mid-2017. They say the decision was made by engineers and Tappan Zee Constructors, the company that's building the nearly $4 billion bridge. But they say the project will still finish on budget and on time in 2018.

While there will be no toll increase next year, the cost of tolls once the bridge opens has still not been announced. "If it has to go up, presumably it has to, it should be reasonable, cost-effective, [and] not difficult for commuters," says Larry Torrisi, of Ardsley.

A seven-member advisory panel has been formed to study toll rates, commuter discounts and possibly reduced rates for Rockland and Westchester residents. The task force is expected to have recommendations by the middle of next year.