EZPass coming to Pell Bridge next year
11:54 AM Thu, May 01, 2008 | Permalink
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EZPass is coming to Rhode Island. The State has announced a bid has been accepted to install the EZPass toll collection system on the Pell Bridge, linking Jamestown and Newport.The work is expected to be finished by 2009. Castea Technologies, Inc. –– which has designed and installed the system in new York –– won the bid at $1.8 million. Last November, Rep. Patrick Kennedy secured a half-million dollars in federal money to help offset the cost of the implementing the new system for the span, which opened in 1969. The EZPass system uses a chip attached to your car with information about your account. When a driver goes through an EZPass facility, a radio antenna is used to read your account information and note that your car passed through the facility. The toll is collected from a prepaid account. Currently, drivers pay $2 in cash for a one-way trip on the bridge. Tokens are also available. “In light of the difficult budget issues, both locally and nationally, we are very grateful that Congressman Kennedy was able to secure these funds,” Earl Croft, Executive Director of RI Turnpike and Bridge Authority, said in a statement. “This funding will help us to defray the costs of EZPass implementation.” 
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There is no mention of the cost to cross the bridge using EZ Pass. Currently, if you use tokens, the tax (yes, it is a tax) is $1.00 each way. I have never seen a line so long that would make me willing to pay double for the crossing. Will this discount rate for tokens be elimenated? Is this just another way to fleece the taxpayers?
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Tom, most of us don't live on islands connected to the mainland via bridges that cost a bazillion dollars to build. Now they're planning to make it easier for 'regulars' to cross, for an additional (I can hardly believe the number) $1.8 million. It's not too much of a stretch to expect those 'regulars' to pay a premium for the privilege of breezing on through. I think that's how it works in the highway system in MA.
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Don't be surprised if tokens are eliminated entirely. There's another million dollars being spent by the gov't. For a state to go through all this expense for ONE TOLL. It would make sense if toll collectors can be eliminated, but that's not going to happen either.
Users will have to lease the EZ PASS device. But don't worry, ALL the special interest groups, State Reps, City and State officials will get theirs for FREE.
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The article also doesn't mention whether the token option will still be available or whether it will be a choice only between EZPass and cash. My guess is we'll all end up paying $2 each way.
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I am glad that North Kingstown has begun bringing more retail business to the area. The state has just made a decision for me. I hope more Jamestowners follow me to N.K. to shop instead of paying $4 to cross the brige if the state increases the local rates.
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Some people have to commute over the bridge every day for work. I did it for about a year, and it created an additional $40/month expense over and above the gas, oil, etc. EZ Pass will create an additional burden for these people. Many people who live on the island won't be affected that much because, as I found out when I worked there, it's unusual for them to leave.
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