E-ZPass program gets financial boost

Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy presented RITBA officials with a check for $500,000 at an event Tuesday morning at the RITBA Administrative office. The funds will be used to support the development, design and installation of the E-ZPass Program.

E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system which takes tokens out of the toll collection process. Instead, drivers establish an account, prepay tolls and attach a small electronic device to their vehicles. Tolls are automatically deducted from the prepaid account as an E-ZPass customer passes through the toll lane.

“I’m happy I was able to play a small part in bringing E-ZPass to Rhode Island,” said Congressman Kennedy. “The E-ZPass program is a proven winner. It is user friendly and will move traffic quickly over the Pell Bridge. I want to congratulate the Authority for working with local residents and considering their feedback when deciding on the final details of the program.”

“The E-ZPass program is on target to begin in mid-December and Congressman Kennedy is a big reason why,” said David Darlington, Chairman of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority. “Understanding the benefits of electronic tolls on the Pell Bridge, he worked on our behalf to obtain funding for the E-ZPass program and we thank him for his support.”

RITBA will begin taking E-ZPass applications on November 3rd at their administration office adjacent to the toll plaza in Jamestown. During the month of November, E-ZPass applications will also be available at NUWC, Building 80 and CCRI Newport Campus.

The hours of operation for NUWC on November 4th, 6th, 13th and 18th are 8:30am to 11am. The CCRI Newport Campus will be open on November 6th from 2pm to7pm, November 12th from 9am to 2pm and November 20th from 9am to 2pm.

Applications will be available online starting December 8th. For more information please visit www.ritba.org.