Getting E-ZPass will get easier
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Getting E-ZPass Will Be Easier
Drivers find getting an E-ZPass takes some patience.JAMESTOWN, R.I.—Some people are finding that getting an E-ZPass transponder in Rhode Island is not so easy.
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority installed the automated toll system last week on the Jamestown side of the Pell Bridge.
Demand for the transponders has overwhelmed a small office set up in a trailer at the base of the bridge.
Turnpike authority officials said a satellite office will open Jan. 5 at the Gateway Visitors Center in Newport to ease the long lines.
Related Link: Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority E-ZPass
Officials said the authority has distributed more than 13,000 transponders.
The authority said it plans to phase out tokens by mid-January, when all 10 lanes will be converted to E-ZPass.
Cash will also be accepted.
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Reader Reactions
Are you kidding me.
This process has been an awful experience.
1) Need a statement prior to Sept (so I do not cheat them out of $10)
2) Driver’s license is not proof of RI residence
3) “Do not use my table to fill out the form” from the lady in the trailer even though I was the only one there.
4) They decided not to send out the transponders prior to opening the first ez-pass lane so we do not get confused (don’t you mean we are to stupid to figure it out when to start using)
5) Called 12/22 was told that my transponder was activated on 12/17 but still have not received it.
6) Now you have (2) empty ez-pass only lanes and long lines at the one token only lane - - BECAUSE you did not mail them on time (oh by the way its the busiest time of the year for the post office)
Nice job RI bureaucrats!!!!!!
Once again you are 10 years late to the party and completely screw it up!
I’m one of the 13,000 who did go through this trailer and get this transponder. The problem I had is that they make you go from one end of the trailer to the opposite end and then back again to get this.
It is very evident that whomever decided to use a trailer was not thinking of the capacity of these units.
These are clearly overloaded for the square footage allowed and this is a factor for the long lines. People are basically tripping over each other trying to move from seat to seat and then to the table to pay for these units. Once this completed you are given a receipt and then told to go stand in another line.
However you get your transponder is a crap shoot. When I was there a lady had been in line for about 20-30 minutes and I just stood there and my name was called.
What they should do is to use the Office area where you originally picked up your application to complete your form.
Once this completed THEN go to a reconfigured floor plans in the trailer which would allow for more than 3 people taking money pay for these devices and be given the transponder.
Only in Rhode Island!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The RITBA promised an easy transition to EZPass; I found it to be one of most bureaucratic processes I had to endure. When I called, the staff was helpless and did not care. The unspoken message I received was I could not get them fired so why should they help me.
It started with the application process; for years, I have had a New York EZPass. I showed up to the RITBA office with my NY EZPass transponder in hand, only to be told that I could not get the $10 discount, for the new transponder, because I had to show a statement dated prior to Sept 2008. The EZPass transponder was not good enough. When I stated that this requirement was never advertised, the response was that it was my problem and I should have known about it. How I should have known about it is beyond me.
I went home to get a statement. I receive my statement on-line and found that they remain on-line for only thirty days. Since it was Dec 12th, I could not get a statement dated prior to November 2008. I called the office and explained that my statements only stay on-line for thirty days. I asked how I could get the credit; the response was well no one else is having this problem. They were no help.
I finally completed the process and was told the EZPass would arrive before the system was activated. I called on Dec 22nd to ask why I had not received my new transponder. They response this time, was oh you were never going to receive it before the system was activated. Once again it was my problem and they provided useless help and information.
Based in their track record, why should I believe them when they state getting an EZPass will get easier?
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