Pols Criticize Cashless Toll Company; NYTA Responds

After Assemblyman Tom Abinanti and Senator David Carlucci called on the New York State Thruway Authority Thursday to cancel its $72 million contract extension with the company running its cashless toll system, NYTA officials said that the company is already implementing improvements.

The Thruway Authority has had a contract with Conduent since 2007. Abinanti and Carlucci blamed the company for the outcry from drivers crossing the Tappan Zee who were freaked out by rapidly accelerating penalties and fines on unpaid tolls. Many said they had not received a bill in the mail for the toll in the first place.

As the amount of unpaid fines hit $8 million, the state declared a 3-week amnesty program in February 2018. Carlucci and Abinanti said Thursday that drivers' problems persisted.

NYTA officials responded:

Quality customer service for motorists is a top priority, which is why the Thruway Authority has already developed a series of improvements Conduent is implementing for customers using Tolls By Mail and E-ZPass. Under the existing contract, Conduent has been -- and will continue to be -- penalized financially each and every time they underperform. We appreciate the legislators’ efforts, and we will continue to press Conduent to deliver the highest level of service to our customers.

Earlier this year, thruway officials offered drivers these tips about dealing with the MCB tolls, fines and penalties:

Customers who don't have an E-ZPass and use the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge can pay their toll before a bill arrives by visiting tollsbymailny.com and pay in a few short steps by providing their license plate number, along with a payment method and period of time traveled. Motorists can also access additional information about how to pay by calling the Tolls By Mail customer service center at 1-844-826-8400.

New York State law requires motorists to keep their address current with the Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure bills are mailed to the proper owner. Drivers must update their address with the DMV within 10 days of moving. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has enacted regulation that allows suspension of the vehicle registration of motorists with three or more unpaid tolls, violation fees and other charges resulting from violations on different days, as well as registration suspension of commercial vehicle owners with $200 or more in unpaid tolls and violation fees, within a period of five years. Repeated notices are sent before eligibility for suspension.

Motorists who use cashless tolling but claim they have not received a toll bill should contact the Tolls By Mail Customer Service Center at 1-844-826-8400 immediately to address the issue, and avoid any fines. For questions regarding Notices of Toll violation, contact the E-ZPass Customer Service Center at 1-800-333-8655.

State officials also urged motorists to sign up for E-Z Pass.

Drivers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the most convenient and cost- effective way to travel New York's roadways by signing up for E-ZPass. With a New York E-ZPass tag, drivers save on tolls across the state, including a five percent discount along the entire 570-mile New York State Thruway. E-ZPass tags are available for purchase at many Thruway Service Areas and approximately 840 retailers across the state.

To sign up for an E-ZPass account , go to www.E-ZPassNY.com; at E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; or by calling the E-ZPass Toll Free Customer Service Center at 1-800-333-TOLL (8655). E-ZPass can be paid for with a credit card, check, money order or in person at any E-ZPass Customer Service Center.

SEE ALSO:

• Cashless Tolls Start Across the Tappan Zee
• Toll Plaza Goes Out After Cashless Tolls Come In
• Crackdown on Repeat Toll Violators Underway: NY DMV
• Millions In Toll Fines on the MCB: Amnesty For Drivers
• Deadline Looming For Cashless Toll Amnesty

PHOTO: Webcam July 13, 2018/ New York Thruway Authority