VDOT proposes fee on E-ZPass users

Colin Hannifin

Columnist

Last Thursday, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that VDOT is planning on charging E-ZPass users a $1-a-month administration fee. This would be assessed separately from tolls and is for the significant operating costs to run the E-ZPass system. The costs are expected to grow, with expansion likely to occur: Several toll-funded roads are scheduled to open this year and it will soon be easier to buy an E-ZPass. Though it is not set in stone, VDOT hopes to begin assessing the fee in July.

While the proposed fee, however, makes no sense and should be strongly reconsidered, it is indicative of far more serious problems. The proposed fee would affect E-ZPass users across the state.

Though Richmond doesn’t have as many toll roads as the tidewater region or Northern Virginia, many Richmonders rely on toll roads to get to work every day. E-ZPass makes passing through these tolls easier and faster. The tolls are already considerably expensive, and an additional fee makes no sense, particularly after comments from the Transportation Department revealed that the planned expansion could be covered by existing revenues.

Furthermore, the E-ZPass system was originally put into place to save Virginia money, in the form of fewer tollbooth operators, while making life easier for commuters. E-ZPass users have bought into the vision, as least tangentially, and would now be punished for doing so. If the cost savings have not been realized, while unfortunate, they should not be reconciled through the citizens of Virginia. Citizens should not be punished for buying into a system that was proposed by the state.

Proponents for the fee will point out that $12 a year is actually bearable by most standards, a true and fair point. Furthermore, the tolls Virginia citizens bear are small compared to those tolls enforced by the states in the Northeast. This is also undoubtedly true.

However, both points are irrelevant. Yes, Northeasterners pay more and no, $12 a year isn’t insurmountable. But it’s the principle of the fee – it would be charging those drivers who’ve done nothing but bought into a state-offered system. It’s punishing a good deed, particularly considering the costs could already be covered.

Regardless, the proposed fee is indicative of more serious problems. Considering the proposal to sell the naming rights to streets that I wrote about a few weeks ago and now this, it seems that VDOT is a little hard up for revenue.

Transportation is a sector that just simply can’t get enough funding. Drivers around Richmond know this all too well. But our crumbling infrastructure must not lose investment, as this very infrastructure is vital to drawing businesses in and keeping residents happy. Though I know there are many causes demanding funds and attention, from education to healthcare, Virginia has to find a way to make sure the VDOT budget reaches and stays at a high level.

The proposed fee to charge E-ZPass users $1 is inane and ridiculous. It should be reconsidered immediately. Though many drivers would likely plunk down the cash for the sake of convenience of E-ZPass, it is bad policy. VDOT should immediately reconsider its proposal. At the same time, however, our state government has to take a hard look at VDOT’s funding to ensure it’s getting all it needs.