NEWS |
157-00: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , November 3, 2000
Since E-ZPass was installed at Port Authority bridges and tunnels in 1997, its popularity among travelers has grown rapidly and usage is expected to continue to rise due to the introduction of E-ZPass on the New Jersey Turnpike in September.
"E-ZPass use has increased by 3 percent at the GWB in the one-month period that E-ZPass has been in place on the New Jersey Turnpike. Between September and October, overall E-ZPass use at the GWB has increased from 53 percent to 56 percent," said Ken Philmus, the Port Authority's Director of Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals.
The newly dedicated E-ZPass toll lane, Lane 10, is in the center of the bridge's upper-level toll plaza. The lane will be open for E-ZPass-Only use Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Previously, the lane was dedicated for E-ZPass-Only use from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Of the 31 toll lanes on the bridge, 14 will now be dedicated to E-ZPass-Only use during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Five dedicated lanes will be in operation on the bridge's upper level from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and portions of the weekend. Four dedicated lanes are in operation at the Palisades Interstate Parkway toll plaza at all times that the Parkway is open. Five dedicated lanes are on the bridge's lower level, one of which is a full-service lane during portions of the weekend.
Currently, 76 percent of morning rush-hour customers use E-ZPass at the Palisades Interstate Parkway toll plaza; 69 percent of customers use E-ZPass at the lower level; and 66 percent use E-ZPass at the upper level.
New Jersey motorists interested in signing up for E-ZPass may call 888-AUTO TOLL (288-6865).