Tollway is living up to its poor image

When the toll highway authority launched its $5.5 billion expansion plan in 2004, it was sold to the public based on a reformed image of accountability and a sleek I-PASS system that was the backbone to its funding plan. When significant I-PASS problems were recently unveiled, the toll authority responded with dismissive arrogance and tried to frame the issue as "we don't deal with toll cheats".

No one is debating that tolls should be paid when toll roads are used. The real issue is the toll authority's unwillingness to address systemic flaws that have horrendous public policy implications.

People who have I-PASS are being mistakenly told they owe hundreds of dollars of fines. People who did not pay tolls, but want to pay, are hit with a financial tsunami that is crippling: $20 to $70 fines for each violation with a two-year statute of limitation, combined with delayed notification for more than a year (if people even get notice), results in outrageously high fines. With no payment plan option, people are forced to put hundreds to literally thousands of dollars on their credit card or risk having their license suspended.

Why is it that the toll authority can operate in an unconscionable manner and without accountability or responsiveness when firm evidence has been produced to document an ineffective and materially flawed policy while average citizens take the hit? Is this "reform"?

This latest debacle perpetuates the toll authority's historical image of being a scandal-plagued agency that is beyond reform.

Terry Pastika

Executive Director Community Lawyer, Citizen Advocacy Center

Elmhurst