The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recently held an event in King of Prussia to discuss plans to convert its tolling system in January to Open Road Tolling (ORT) east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension.
An ORT system works by charging tolls electronically when customers drive under gantries located between interchanges. Equipment on the gantry and in the roadway processes toll-by-plate and E-ZPass transactions.
Motorists drive under the gantries at highway speeds and do not need to slow down or stop.
Speakers at the event included CEO Mark Compton, Chief Engineer Brad Heigel, Chief Strategy and Communications Officer Kelli Roberts, and Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey.
“In January, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission solidifies itself once again as a national leader in transportation when we bring the future of toll collection to Pennsylvania throughOpen Road Tolling,” Compton said. “This move reiterates our commitment to the safety of our customers and employees, while modernizing our operations and meeting customer expectations for seamless, nonstop travel.”
Motorists do not need to do anything to prepare for the launch, but are encourages to ensure E-ZPass transponders are mounted properly.
Shifting to the ORT system is part of the commission’s 15 year transition to make travel safer, seamless, and more convenient.