E-ZPass Saves More than $25-Million

E-ZPass can save motorists a total of $27 million per year, according to a study released Monday by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. The authority also says auto emissions are reduced thanks to the automated toll payment system, which was installed on the road last September. The study compared emissions, fuel use and time it took to get through the tolls on weekdays before and after the advent of E-ZPass, then extrapolated the results over the course of a year.

Over a year, drivers would save a total of 2.1 million hours, the study reported. The delays at tolls are down 85 percent, according to the report, which was based on research on 27 of the 28 interchanges on the toll road.

At about $21 per hour for truck drivers and $10.50 per hour for each driver of a passenger car, that translates into $25 million.

Gas savings were estimated at 1.2 million gallons _ worth about $1.9 million.

Ozone-forming auto emissions are down as well, according to the study, because cars are moving slowly for less time.

The study was conducted by Wilber Smith Associates, with help from Cambridge Systematics.

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Author: 6 ABC - Action News