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November 29, 2000

PA TURNPIKE LAUNCHES E-ZPASS DEC. 2
Reminds Customers Traveling Beyond Exits 18 Or 33 To Get A Ticket

Carlisle (PA) – The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will launch E-ZPass for passenger vehicles traveling between exits 18-Harrisburg West and 33-Lehigh Valley on Dec. 2, 2000.

Executive Director John Durbin reminded the nearly 30,000 customers who have already enrolled to get a ticket in a non-E-ZPass lane if exiting beyond the initial program area.

"We are very excited about bringing the convenience of E-ZPass to our passenger vehicle customers on Dec. 2," said Durbin. "Sixty-four percent of our customers travel between exits 18 and 33, ninety percent of which are passenger vehicles. We know most of our E-ZPass customers are commuters who travel between those exits, so for those of you who plan to travel west beyond 18 towards Pittsburgh or beyond 33 on the northeast extension, you must get a ticket in a non-E-ZPass lane before you enter and pay with cash as you exit."

Durbin urged Turnpike customers to be "patient, alert and attentive" as E-ZPass begins. "Customers should pay close attention to E-ZPass signing and be courteous to other drivers. Safety is our highest priority."

Durbin said the Turnpike will continue to educate the public and its customers about the regional program through the media and using its E-ZPass brochure and users manual. Official signs at interchanges and on the roadway will also clearly communicate the details of the regional program to customers.

E-ZPass will be available for passenger vehicles statewide in 2001. Trucks will be included in the program in 2002.

"Of course, Dec. 2 is just the first day of our program. We’ve pre-enrolled nearly 30,000 customers over the past few months, but we expect even more of our customers to enroll after the launch when they see E-ZPass is the easy and convenient way to pay tolls without fumbling for change or tickets," continued Durbin. "I urge all customers who have not yet enrolled to establish an account today!"

Customers can enroll by visiting the website www.paturnpike.com. Brochures and applications are also available upon request at interchanges18 through 33.

E-ZPass electronic toll collection is the convenient way for customers to pay tolls without stopping and fumbling for change or tickets. It is currently being used by millions of people who travel up and down the Northeast corridor through Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and West Virginia. Customers enrolled in another agency’s program will also be able to use their E-ZPass on the Turnpike.

Customers can find out more information about the Pennsylvania Turnpike E-ZPass program, enroll or check account status 24 hours a day at www.paturnpike.com or by calling 1-877-PENN-PASS. Account statements will be available online at no charge.

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NOTICE TO ALL MEDIA
Pennsylvania Turnpike Spokesperson Availability

The following Turnpike spokespersons will be available to the media for interviews at area interchanges, beginning on launch day, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2000, 8 a.m. through Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2000.

Please call Kathy Liebler at 717-939-9551 ext. 2840 for more information or to schedule an interview. 

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 P.O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676         Phone: (717) 939-9551         Fax: (717) 986-9649