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Robert F. Kennedy Bridge to Begin Cashless Tolling June 15


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Governor Cuomo Announces Robert F. Kennedy Bridge to Begin Cashless Tolling June 15

http://www.mta.info/news/2017/06/05/governor-cuomo-announces-robert-f-kennedy-bridge-begin-cashless-tolling-june-15

 

 

June 05th, 2017

rfk-suspended-span.jpg?itok=45_vJRp0
RFK Bridge Suspended Span

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced cashless tolling will begin on the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge on June 15. Implementing cashless tolling on the RFK Bridge will reduce congestion and improve travel for motorists in time for the summer travel season. As part of the transition to a more convenient and cost effective way to travel New York’s crossings, the Governor is encouraging all commuters to sign up for an E-ZPass and save on tolls across the state, including 30 to 50 percent at all MTA bridges and tunnels in New York City.

"A critical route for both commuters and visitors, cashless tolling on the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge will improve the safety of all motorists and reduce congestion to streamline travel between Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx," Governor Cuomo said. "By transitioning to cashless tolling at New York's crossings, we are transforming our transportation infrastructure to meet the needs of 21st century travelers, while providing safe and easy commutes for generations to come."

The RFK Bridge joins Henry Hudson Bridge, Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, Queens Midtown Tunnel, and Rockaway Bridges, where sensors and cameras suspended over the highway on structures known as "gantries" read E-ZPass tags and take license plate images, so vehicles no longer have to stop and pay the toll. Vehicles with E-ZPass tags are automatically charged, and vehicles without E-ZPass have their license plate recorded and a bill is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. E-ZPass tags should always be mounted and never waved to ensure that the tag is properly read and that the driver’s attention is not diverted from crossing the facility safely.

Cashless or open road tolling will be the method of toll collection at all MTA Bridges and Tunnels’ facilities this year. The schedule is as follows:

  • Verrazano-Narrows Bridge – July 2017
  • Throgs Neck Bridge – September 2017
  • Bronx-Whitestone Bridge – October 2017

Cashless tolling is projected to save commuters up to 21 hours of drive time every year. It also reduces emissions and significantly decreases the amount of fuel burned by drivers, who will no longer have to stop and start waiting to pay tolls. This will conserve approximately one million gallons of fuel and save $2.3 million each year.

"I am excited to see cashless tolling come to the RFK Bridge. The benefits of this technology will provide customers with a smoother ride at all of our facilities, making it easier for New Yorkers to get where they need to go," said Veronique Hakim, MTA Interim Executive Director. "The accelerated schedule we are undertaking to bring Cashless Tolling to all of our facilities in 2017 underscores our commitment to investing in New York's transportation network to meet the needs of a growing region."

To ensure that all users of MTA toll facilities pay their fair share, a series of enforcement measures are in place to tackle toll payment evasion and chronic toll scofflaws. Customers who do not pay their tolls are subject to violation fees, registration suspensions, and other enforcement actions. Late fees accrue if an initial toll bill is unpaid, and if a second notice is also ignored, violation fees of up to $100 per toll violation may be imposed.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has enacted regulation that allows suspension of the vehicle registration of motorists who fail to pay three tolls, violation fees, and other charges resulting from violations on different days, within a period of five years, and ignore toll authorities' repeated notices.

"Most customers already get it—with E-ZPass, it’s a fast commute and the lowest cost," said MTA Bridges and Tunnels Acting President Tim Mulligan. "But what some people still don’t know is we have eliminated the excuses not to get E-ZPass. You don’t need a credit card or even a car, and as all our crossings go “Cashless” it makes more sense than ever to get E-ZPass."

Everyone is encouraged to visit MTA.info/E-ZPass to sign up and save 30-50 percent on MTA tolls. E-ZPass “On-the-Go” tags will continue to be sold in all cash lanes at the RFK until June 15, and at Bronx-Whitestone, Throgs Neck, and Verrazano-Narrows Bridges. Tags cost $30 and come with $20 in prepaid tolls and have a $10 refundable deposit, which is waived if the tag is linked to a credit card or bank account for automated replenishment. E-ZPass tags can also be purchased at local DMV offices.

E-ZPass accounts can be funded in several different ways. The most popular is automatic replenishment with a credit/debit card or automatic deductions from a bank account. MTA customers who don't like pre-paying for tolls, maintaining a minimum balance or providing a credit card, can also choose MTA's Pay Per Trip plan. This plan allows you to link a checking account to your E-ZPass account to pay for trips as you go.

Those customers who prefer cash can use the MTA Reload Card to conveniently refill accounts at any of the 2,500 Visa ReadyLink locations throughout the region or pay in cash at one of the three regional E-ZPass walk-in service centers. The MTA Reload Card is not a credit card; it simply identifies the account for the cash reload.

For drivers who don’t have E-ZPass and drive through a Cashless Tolling facility, the registered vehicle owner will receive a Toll Bill in the mail. Drivers who receive a bill can pay it online at the Tolls By Mail website, by mail, over the phone, or in-person, and payment options include check, credit card, bank account, or cash. Customers who call **826 from most mobile devices will receive a text with a link to the Tolls By Mail website and information on how to set up a Pay Toll Now account that can be used by rental car customers.

For additional information on Cashless Tolling and E-ZPass, please visit MTA.info/cashless or call 1-800-333-8655 (TOLL).\

 

I wonder if they'll try to reduce the E-Z Pass discount when the majority of users have it.

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