A new toll collection system in Ohio went live today. The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission’s new toll collection system includes open road tolling, the removal of all gates in E-ZPass lanes, and enhancements to the customer service center.
According to Communications Director, Charles Cyrill, open road tolling is a big upgrade.
“That means our customers with E-ZPass will be able to travel the entire 241-mile toll road without stopping and traveling at highway speeds,” said Cyrill.
Ferzan M. Ahmed, the executive director of the Ohio Turnpike Commission said in a news release, “The modernization of the toll collection system has been a long, challenging, and complex project. But the moment we have anticipated – following meticulous testing of the electronic tolling system over the past several months – has arrived.”
Several traditional toll plazas have been removed, going from 31 to 24. In addition, 20 toll plazas removed had the E-ZPass gates removed so drivers only need to slow down to pass through.
The upgrade to the toll collecting system had a price tag of $250 million and was funded entirely by toll revenue, being completed within budget.
The new system that was five years in the making went live this morning at 2 a.m.
According to the news release, the Ohio Turnpike Commission will continue to monitor the performance of the new system.
Source: WJW-TV Cleveland, Ohio Turnpike Commission
