The Daily News reports that the MTA plans to remove the toll booths in favor of EZPass transponders/receiver arrays blanketing the former and increasing cameras to photograph cars who don't have the latter. The Port Authority plans to have a feasibility study lasting 14 months and it's report published soon after.
While at first light, it does sound feasible to have it done however, possibly another agenda is in the works for the MTA and, for that matter, law enforcement. By eliminating toll booths would also eliminate jobs and traffic congestion surrounding the plazas. Pollution and health concerns would also abate, albeit temporarily, should the price of oil hold firm or rise.
But what would happen to the rarely used commuter discount that the PA offers for cars with 3+ passengers? The rule is that the toll booth operator would count the heads in the personal vehicle and issue a discount, $2.00 vs. $8.00. How would that be resolved? Then, this would be a fine excuse to increase tolls and expect higher fines for skipping without paying.
Law enforcement would also monitor those crossings much efficiently in the attempt to apprehend perpetrator or civil lawyers could subpoena evidence for their respective divorce/malfeasance cases. I hate to say it but another hash mark against privacy; I should be on my toes.
Photos by MTA
.jpg)
