Changes need not diminish Transpass success

In an editorial (“Transpass passed by,” Dec. 22-23) the Bangor Daily News demonstrates its’ misunderstanding of electronic toll collection technology and the enormous benefits it has provided for Maine Turnpike users.

The editorial is based almost entirely on the false notion that the Maine Turnpike’s electronic toll collection system could now be compatible with other systems had we only followed the lead of our northeastern neighbors when selecting the technology back in 1995. The fact is, when the MTA launched Transpass it was the first and only highway in New England to offer electronic toll collection. The opportunity to be compatible with other states simply did not exist.

Yes, the New York Thruway operated a system named E-ZPass as far back as 1993, but it was nothing like the E-ZPass system operating in New York and other states today. It was different technology, using different equipment. That’s right, even the New York Thruway – leader of E-ZPass technology – had to adopt a second generation of electronic toll collection to achieve compatibility with other states -just as we are doing in Maine today. In short, we could have followed New York’s every move and still it would have been necessary for us to adopt a new technology to achieve compatibility.

Realizing that compatibility with other states would not be possible until the second generation, the MTA focused on designing a first generation product to meet the specific recommendations of Maine Turnpike users. The more sophisticated Transpass features, decried by the BDN, like the visual display screen that allows users to view toll payments and account balances, were added in direct response to focus groups with Maine customers. These unique features will ultimately give way to the quest for universality and compatibility with other states, but they have served us well, and frankly will be missed by many of our customers. Transpass was simply the most customer-oriented technology available.

The Maine Turnpike could have sat on the sidelines, as the BDN seems to suggest, and waited nervously for a dominant technology to emerge before implementing Transpass, but such foot-dragging would have been a great disservice to the more than 90,000 Transpass users. It would have robbed our customers of at least four years of dramatically improved traffic flow, reduced congestion and enormously greater convenience.

Hesitating to adopt the efficiencies of Transpass would also have frittered away the opportunity for the Turnpike Authority to reduce operational expenses by $4 million each year – savings that have more than paid for the Transpass system – savings that have helped keep Maine Turnpike tolls among the lowest in nation.

No one is suggesting that Transpass has been flawless or that improvements should not be made when the next generation is offered, but the benefits and operational cost savings of Transpass have been overwhelming. A survey conducted by Strategic Marketing Services of Portland found that 98 percent of Transpass users believe Transpass has made their travel more convenient; 98 percent believe that it has saved them time; and 93 percent believe it has improved traffic flow at toll plazas. Virtually all Transpass users appreciate the product and understand that technology is subject to change.

In 1969, I purchased the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” album. Some years later, I bought the album on eight-track and then cassette tape.

I now own the songs on compact disc. I never looked back on the first purchase as a mistake. In fact, based on the enjoyment it provided, it was probably one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. I think Transpass will be viewed in much the same way.

Paul E. Violette is the executive director of the Maine Turnpike Authority.