RITBA warning drivers to mount EZPass transponders, or pay a fine
By Kirsten Glavin
@kirstenglavin
Jamestown, RI- The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority unveiled the “Mount Your EZPass Transponder” campaign on Monday, pushing for drivers to do just that; mount their devices onto windshields. The push comes after safety concerns for toll workers and traffic jams.
"If you do come through with an unmounted EZPass, you will not be afforded the right, the ability to pay the in–state fee which is 0.83 cents,” Jim Manni, Director of Operations at RITBA told ABC6 News.
The fine is priced at $2 per axle, so for an average vehicle passing through, that means an extra $4. A major part of the problem is due to toll booth workers having to leave their seats and stand in the passing lane, in order to help drivers stuck at the gateway.
"We have to get out of the booth and actually help the customer, which if we get out of the booth it’s kind of dangerous because there are a lot of people that are behind the person, who may not be paying attention,” said Carol Gillerin, a tollbooth worker at Pell Bridge in Jamestown.
Our ABC6 News cameras were rolling when a driver tried to go through the gantry at Pell Bridge without the transponder mounted to his windshield. He was one of the many that needed help.
RITBA explained circumstances like this one happen about a thousand times per month. During the summer it causes traffic to backup for folks heading to and from Newport.
RITBA also explained that when applying for an EZPass, drivers must agree to mount transponders properly. Several drivers told ABC6 they believed that was fair, but also an inconvenience.
"Legally you’re supposed to mount it, so people can’t complain but (…) It just seems like another excuse to bill people,” one driver in Providence said.
