GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Thruway Authority invited Western New Yorkers to a Cashless Tolling Customer Outreach event Wednesday, to address their concerns about bill payment options, account information, and violations.
Several dozen customers scheduled appointments to come to the Western New York Welcome Center on Grand Island to have their questions answered.
Staff were there to answer questions about E-ZPass and cashless tolling, toll bills, violations and more.
In addition, Thruway Authority representatives provided information in light of transitioning to cashless tolling ALONG THE ENTIRE THRUWAY BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
This will include the toll barriers in Williamsville and Lackawanna.
"This is a very important piece of what we want to make sure we do, which is communicate with our customers. Cashless tolling is here to stay, it's going to continue to grow," said Matthew Driscall, Executive Director of the Thruway Authority. "We're here to educate and also to discuss with folks here in Western New York what the future looks like."
Driscall said more than 20 million cars go through the cashless tolling system in Grand Island.
As for complaints about the system, he said less than four percent of all transactions have resulted in fines because of late fees.
Driscall said the easiest way to avoid any issues is to get an E-ZPass, and to update your mailing address if you move so that the bill is sent to the correct address.
Thruway Authority representatives were at the Welcome Center from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Customers were able to get an E-ZPass at the Welcome Center. The Thruway Authority also took about 50 walk-ins to help customers.
