Bridge, tunnel toll system study is launched by PA.

Looking to use technology to help tackle future regional mobility issues, the Port Authority Board of Commissioners has authorized a planning study and preliminary design work to explore the feasibility of implementing an all-electronic toll collection system at its bistate crossings.

The study will evaluate the potential to replace the existing toll collection system, which relies on tollbooths to collect tolls, with one that collects tolls through a system of overhead gantrys equipped with E-ZPass readers and license plate imaging technology.

The study and preliminary design work is scheduled to take approximately two years and cost $9 million.

Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, "Facilitating the efficient movement of people and goods is one of our biggest challenges as we confront the region's expected growth over the next several decades. We must seek creative ways--like all electronic tolling--to successfully minimize congestion and delays at our crossings and enable the continued growth and prosperity of our regional economy."

Port Authority executive director Anthony E. Shorris said, "These days, we're all looking for ways to deal with the growth we want without sacrificing the mobility we need. All-electronic tolling may offer us an opportunity to make progress on multiple fronts--not only easing congestion at some of the region's most stubborn choke points, but also reducing the greenhouse gases released when thousands of cars and trucks idle in toll lanes."

The study will look at the operational, financial, technological, organizational, institutional, legal and regulatory issues surrounding the switch to an all-electronic toll collection system. It also will develop schedules, project costs and preliminary designs for infrastructure.