June 2020
PA Turnpike Commission Converts to Operate All-Electronic Tolling System Permanently
The PA Turnpike Commission (PTC) announced today that the cashless, All-Electronic Tolling (AET) system instituted March 16 to minimize the spread of COVID-19 will become permanent, a decision that will result in the layoff of approximately 500 employees, primarily toll collectors and fare-collection personnel.
There will be no return to cash collections on our system. Customers will move through the lanes at posted speeds without stopping. Their tolls will be assessed via E-ZPass, or a PA Turnpike Toll By Plate invoice will be sent in the mail.
The personnel action was approved unanimously by PA Turnpike Commissioners at the bimonthly public meeting. The decision to operate AET permanently was driven by three factors: the impact that the pandemic has had on the Commission’s traffic and revenue; the health and safety of customers and employees; and operational challenges.
“Ceasing cash collections in March to protect employees and customers was the right decision,” CEO Mark Compton explained. “But we did not know then how severe the impact would be. With the associated dangers, we cannot risk returning to cash collections. AET continues to be the best choice for our customers and this organization’s future.”
Compton noted that the Commission continues to take measures to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
- Cutting capital spending by 25 percent
- Reducing operating expenses
- Instituting a hiring freeze
- Offering a voluntary-retirement program
- Delaying its July transit payment to the commonwealth
“This is a painful day for all of us at the Commission,” Compton said. “I want to thank these men and women for their dedication and hard work over the years. I assure them we will continue to assist them during this transition.”
Please click here for more details regarding this decision.