Old technology takes toll on state turnpike Planned switch to E-ZPass alters billing

PORTLAND – The Maine Turnpike Authority is asking the Legislature if it can bill its customers for charges unrelated to tolls, such as parking lot fees and fast food from participating restaurants along many Eastern toll roads.

The turnpike also wants to be allowed to enter into similar contracts with businesses in Maine as a way of keeping up with expanding uses of the toll technology.

“No one has approached us, but if we’re asking for the authority in other states, why not ask for the power to do it here in Maine, with companies in Maine?” said turnpike Executive Director Paul Violette.

The requests are being made as Maine prepares to switch from the Transpass to E-ZPass toll system next year. Under E-ZPass, customers will be able to drive through more than 40 tolls in several Eastern states without stopping.

E-ZPass users will also be able to use their accounts at participating parking lots and fast-food restaurants.

If a Maine customer goes through an E-ZPass toll in another state, such as New York, the Maine Turnpike Authority bills the customer’s account for the amount owed in New York.

But the Maine turnpike isn’t authorized to bill customers for anything other than the tolls. So if a customer parks at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, the Maine Turnpike Authority would be left paying those charges unless the law is changed.

E-ZPass member states are located as far away as West Virginia and Maryland. In New England, Massachusetts is a participating state, and New Hampshire is expected to implement the system in 2004.

Among the other Maine Turnpike-related bills before the Legislature are one to prohibit commercial trucks from the far left lane where there are more than two lanes, and to allow the Maine Turnpike to refinance $240 million in debt.