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C O M M I S S I O N N E W S R E L E A S E |
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Contact: |
Kathy Liebler (717) 939-9551, Ext. 2840 |
December 12, 2002 |
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Harrisburg,
PA – Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Executive Director John Durbin
today reminded Pennsylvania Turnpike commercial customers they can
begin using
E-ZPass on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 a.m.
E-ZPass is available at 37 exits on the Pennsylvania Turnpike
ticket system. “If
you’ve already enrolled in our program or have E-ZPass through another
agency, we invite you to begin enjoying the benefits of paying tolls
electronically, without stopping or fumbling for tickets,” said Durbin.
“If you’re not yet enrolled, what’s stopping you?”
Customers can enroll at www.paturnpike.com
or by calling 1-877-PENNPASS and requesting a commercial enrollment
package. Companies
that are currently enrolled in E-ZPass through another agency can open a
companion account with the Pennsylvania Turnpike, allowing them to take
advantage of volume discounts. The
Turnpike’s existing commercial charge card program will continue until
E-ZPass has been implemented on the entire Turnpike system, including Amos
K. Hutchinson and James E. Ross highways, Mon-Fayette Expressway and the
Keyser Avenue and Clarks Summit toll plazas on the Northeastern Extension.
Companies
currently enrolled in another E-ZPass program that don’t qualify for
commercial volume discounts on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, (monthly minimum
usage must total at least $1,000) do not have to enroll and can simply
begin using E-ZPass on the Pennsylvania Turnpike on December 14.
Commercial
vehicles are class two vehicles and above, or any vehicle weighing greater
than 7,000 pounds. The
commercial vehicle designation also includes fleets of class one vehicles
or passenger cars, which offer commercial services.
A commercial vehicle account may be opened for one car, one truck
or a number of vehicles. Durbin
urged all customers to be cautious and alert during the next few weeks as
commercial customers familiarize themselves with the system and location
of lanes. Customers will see
fewer lanes accepting E-ZPass and tickets, and more lanes dedicated to
E-ZPass over the next few months. He
reminded customers to look for flashing yellow lights that designate
E-ZPass Only lanes. Durbin
also encouraged customers to pay close attention to the 5-miles per hour
speed limit in all E-ZPass lanes. “The
safety of our employees and customers is of the utmost importance.” The
Pennsylvania Turnpike launched E-ZPass regionally in December 2000,
expanding it statewide in December 2001.
Since then, 250,000 E-ZPass tags have been issued to non-commercial
customers. With the
enrollment of commercial customers that began in November, Turnpike
officials estimate that 75,000
to 100,000 commercial vehicles will be using E-ZPass in the initial weeks
of implementation. “The
success of E-ZPass has exceeded our greatest expectations,” said Durbin.
We’ve worked hard to build and expand the program while providing
the highest level of customer service.
Our goal is to create a program that smart drivers want to be a
part of. The number of
E-ZPass customers, which continues to increase each week, demonstrates
that we’ve succeeded.”
Pennsylvania
Motor Truck Association President Jim Runk said his members were thrilled
that E-ZPass will now be available on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
“It’s convenient, easy, reduces backlogs at interchanges, and
it’s seamless with surrounding states.
I urge members who have not yet enrolled to call or check out the
website today.” Durbin
emphasized that commercial customers who are already enrolled in E-ZPass
and do not qualify for volume discounts, do not have to enroll and can
begin using E-ZPass on the Turnpike December 14.
E-ZPass
is the convenient way for travelers to pay tolls without stopping and
fumbling for change or tickets, and is being used by millions of people
who travel up and down the Northeast corridor through Massachusetts, New
York, New Jersey,
Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia. For
more information on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission E-ZPass
program visit www.paturnpike.com. PLEASE NOTE: On Saturday, Dec. 14, Pennsylvania Turnpike spokespersons will be available to the media at various interchanges. 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 |
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