MTA Looks to Remove Toll Booths at Bridges and Tunnels

The MTA has put out a request for proposals to transform its current toll plaza to an all-E-Z Pass and cashless payment system. Non-E-Z Pass users would be charged with license plate cameras (the same idea floated in congestion pricing), and NY1 says the MTA wants to "get rid of all toll booths in the next four years." The MTA's Bridges & Tunnels division has been in the news lately, from a jury awarding a former employee $735,000 in a discrimination case to the firing of a toll worker over his dispute with a customer.

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By Jen Chung in News on July 31, 2008 4:50 PM

Comments [rss]

abcohen

What about the jobs lost? -- hahaha... what about when 1 person sues the city and wins 750k... thats worth what 10 employees?

I bet the city will SAVE tons of money by removing the people... removing the risk...

ianmac47

Once they move to a system without tollbooths, I wouldn't be surprised if they don't begin adding tolls to crossings that don't have room to accommodate traditional toll plazas.

TKaisen

What about the jobs lost?

This shouldn't be a consideration. Times move on. If we worried about this every time technologicy advanced, guys will still be screwing bolts on to cars by hand.

lanciano

"what about jobs lost"

there's no point is keeping things status quo and creating stupid redundant work just to keep people employed.

WorksInDUMBO

MFer, will you marry me?

MFer

#6, Bottomless,

Government is just another franchise--and a relatively inept one. And in that sense Big Brother is the least of your troubles. More like retard uncle.

Steven

This should help with traffic at least.

glennQNYC

The biggest problem I have with EZ-Pass is the fact I need to fill an account with funds in advance. I prefer to pay as I go thank you.

What about the jobs lost?

Bottomless Chips

If you're worried about Big Brother, you shouldn't post here. I'm sure Gothamist has your IP address recorded in their logs.

There's a big point you're missing. Gothamist is a private entity. By going to this site, I know I'm giving up personal info. When I buy a cell phone, I know I'm giving them my credit info. This is all done willingly.

edEx, Bank of America isn't Big Brother. Government is Big Brother. I'm not sure what you're trying to say.

Government is supposed to protect us from companies from invading our privacy.

ed_Extinct

to add to the "big brother" comment by #2:

I despise the "big brother" defense. if you're so afraid of "big brother" stop using credit cards, cancel your bank accounts, stop saving money, stop meeting new people, go solar, cultivate your own food and stay off the grid...

Spirit of 76

If you're worried about Big Brother, you shouldn't post here. I'm sure Gothamist has your IP address recorded in their logs.

This should save a little money since they won't need toll collectors anymore. But of course with the TWU around and complaining if so much as one job is eliminated, the collectors won't be laid off, just put somewhere else in the system at our expense.