WASHINGTON - Maryland is considering getting rid of toll booths, and replacing them with all-electronic toll systems like the one used on the Intercounty Connector and the soon-to-open Express Lanes on I-95 and the Beltway in Virginia.
"It's something we're interested in doing. It's something the industry is moving toward. But it's complicated and we're in the earliest stages," Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Secretary Harold Bartlett tells the Baltimore Sun.
An MdTA study finds the idea is feasible, and suggests starting with the I-95 toll in northern Maryland, then working on converting the Bay Bridge before moving on to the state's other tolling facilities. The study says the switch would cost up to $180 million.
On all-electronic toll roads and bridges, E-ZPass users are automatically charged as they would be at a toll booth. Drivers without E-ZPass get a bill in the mail, and usually pay a higher rate.
Switching to all-electronic tolling can also help speed up traffic, and reduce time spent idling at toll plazas, which might be part of what's behind a 2002 U.S. Department of Transportation study that found adding electronic tolling can cut down on pollution.
8 comments:
The Florida Turnpike no longer accepts cash but relies on a form of EZ-Pass. For those drivers from out of state or with no EZ-Pass they have cameras every few miles that take a photo of the license plates and drivers receive a bill in the mail.
makes sense! we should do away with even more jobs.
Aren't these the same bozos that are considering not mailing driver's license renewal notifications to save money?
Who's charged with collections of non-paid tolls?
They are attempting to do this so the drivers don't actually connect what they are paying for tolls.
If it is done automatically then you don't gripe as much when the tolls go up.
Sort of like paying your taxes. They are deducted from your check so you don't really connect with how much you are paying.
Bunch of crooks!
Look for more tolls in that case, King Owe'Malley is looking for more of your money.
always best to carry an extra set of someone elses car plates.
There goes some more jobs
there is your hope and change bityches...
Better HOPE to be able to live once all this is over... And you sure got your CHANGE you wanted huh?
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