December 7, 2006 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

December 7, 2006
CONTACT:  Kim Maialetti at (215) 893-4279 or Pete Peterson at (215) 893-4297

EASTON, PA - The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission today issued its 100,000^th E-ZPass transponder, marking a significant milestone for the program since its inception in 2002.

The Commission presented the transponder, which included $100 in prepaid tolls, to Edith Pettinheo, of Albrightsville, Carbon County, Pa. during a special ceremony at the I-78 Welcome Center in Easton, Pa.

"This is a significant milestone for the Commission's E-ZPass program," said Frank G. McCartney, executive director of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. "I look forward to the ongoing success of the E-ZPass program, which helps reduce congestion, improve traffic safety and decrease commuter travel time."

Representatives from Mark IV, the company that supplies the transponders, and ACS, the company that administers the E-ZPass program also attended the ceremony.

Pettinheo enrolled in the E-ZPass program through the Commission's QuickStart program, which expedites the application process and enables commuters to sign-up for E-ZPass in less than 10 minutes.

"I knew signing up for E-ZPass would help me save time and money, but this celebration was a quite a surprise," said Pettinheo. "The QuickStart process was quick and easy, and I am honored to be the 100,000^th E-ZPass customer."

Under the program, commuters may complete the on-the-spot application process, pay $25 and drive away with an active tag and prepaid toll credit.

E-ZPass tag-holders save money through reduced tolls each time they cross a Commission-operated toll bridge. Commission E-ZPass customers receive an automatic 20 percent discount on their tolls, paying a 60 cent toll compared to the normal 75 cent toll. In addition, the Commission offers frequent travelers - individuals who make 20 trips within a 35-day cycle - an additional 20 percent discount, reducing the toll to 45 cents per trip. There are no monthly fees or administrative costs for commuters associated with the Commission's E-ZPass program.

E-ZPass customers also cut down the length of their commute, as special E-ZPass only lanes process vehicles more rapidly, enabling commuters to proceed with their trip in a timely manner. Increased E-ZPass usage also reduces the overall congestion of Commission bridges for all commuters because the electronic system processes up to 1,000 cars per hour compared to 400 cars per hour using the manual cash lane system.

During the QuickStart program, Commission customer service representatives will be on location to help customers complete a simple application form. Customers will be required to pay $25 by major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover) or personal check and will drive away with an active E-ZPass tag and their $25 in prepaid toll credit. Vehicle registration and license number are also required.

Motorists who do not already have E-ZPass and cannot take advantage of the QuickStart program, can also sign up by calling 1-800-872-5061 or visiting www.ezpassdrjtbc.com .

Commission E-ZPass customers with questions about their account or the E-ZPass QuickStart program can contact the Commission's toll-free customer support line at 1-800-363-0049.

About the Commission

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, formed by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and state of New Jersey in 1934, operates seven toll and 13 toll-supported (free) bridges along the Delaware River from Trenton-Morrisville to the New York border. For more information about the Commission and its various initiatives to deliver safer and more convenient bridge travel for its car- and truck-driving customers, please see: www.drjtbc.org.

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