Construction Continues on PA Turnpike Web Site
By Diane M. Cooper

In addition to all that, a new Commercial Account Information System has recently been added to the site. Commercial account customers can now view, print, and download their monthly detailed or summarized toll transactions electronically via the Internet. Password protected, this free service helps commercial account customers maintain their records well as monitor their credit card usage. For those companies interested in opening a commercial account with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, a new "Trucking Information" button has also been added to the home page. Users can click on this button to view detailed information on opening a commercial account.

In addition to providing our customers and other interested browsers with vast amounts of information, the web site has also become a successful and effective way for Turnpike travelers to communicate via e-mail with the Turnpike Commission. Each day, ten to 15 pieces of e-mail arrive on a variety of subjects including road construction, electronic toll collection, Turnpike service plazas and countless other areas. For the most part, the e-mails received are positive and productive. Sometimes, however, especially after a Turnpike incident resulting in delays and traffic backups, the e-mails aren’t so friendly!

Marketing Director William Capone welcomes the feedback -- even if it is negative. "That’s why we’re here. We want to know what our customers think about our highway. We want to be more accountable to them and ultimately provide them with the service they need and deserve to make their Turnpike experience safer and more comfortable."

Future plans for the web site include the addition of many new and exciting features including an emergency notification system, current and forecasted weather conditions along with radar images, roadway conditions, contracting and procurement information, an online membership program, and links to other Pennsylvania, travel, and transportation-related sites.

Since its debut, the Turnpike's web site has received more than 60,000 hits -- that is, people visiting the site to access Turnpike-related information or to communicate directly with the Turnpike Commission. For those of you who have not yet visited us online, the Pennsylvania Turnpike's exit on the information highway is www.paturnpike.com.

Interactive Map Proves Popular with Turnpike Travelers

The travel map consists of multiple layers of information that users can access via buttons on the "Show Me" menu located at the top of the map. The map also includes pop-up information that provides additional details about Turnpike interchanges and service plazas. When a user places the cursor over one of the interchange numbers located at the top of the map, a box appears detailing the name, milepost location, and connecting route information for that particular interchange. Similarly, when the cursor is placed over a service plaza, details pop up showing the name, milepost location, and services offered at that particular plaza.

A very useful feature of the map is the new toll calculator. By selecting the "Toll Calculator" button on menu, Turnpike travelers can determine the cost of their trip prior to leaving their home or office. Vehicle class can also be determined from this point. In the near future, a mileage calculator will also be available.

In addition to the interactive Turnpike travel map, a simplified static map is also available for those users who cannot or choose not to download the plug-ins (programs) required to view the interactive map. Users of the simplified map also have access to the toll calculator.