ALBANY (AP) -- Thruway travelers will be paying more to use the highway system beginning this Sunday. That's when the Thruway Authority implements its second 5% toll increase in two years. The Thruway also raised tolls by 5% this past summer.

State officials say the toll increases are needed to make needed improvements to the highway system.

On a happier note, Thruway travelers can get free coffee or tea at any of the highway system's more than two dozen travel plazas on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

The Thruway Authority says the three concessionaires -- HMS Host Family Restaurants, McDonald's and Delaware North -- will offer the free beverages at all 27 travel plazas from 11:00 tonight until 7:00 tomorrow morning. The Thruway has been offering free coffee to New Year's travelers for more than 40 years.

Thruway officials encourage drivers to take frequent breaks at travel plazas or rest areas located along the Thruway system. Motorists are advised to never stop along the shoulder of the highway unless it's for an emergency.

(Copyright ©2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)