MTA which is in a Mid-Atlantic state during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020 has switched to all-electronic tolling. The agency is deferring billing for tolls. Even though the payments were still, in fact, in effect.
MTA and MDTA
Processing those deferred tolls is what the MDTA has started. It has to lead to a flood of calls at the agency’s call centers. In fact, most of the calls are coming from the drivers who went through tolls between March 2020 and October 2020 is without an E-ZPass.
Maryland Transit Administration: Postponement of Fees
Until Summer 2022 is when the deferred toll fees will continue, the agency said.
Tolls Posted and Bills
These tolls have been posted and bills have been sent to drivers. This is from the end of July 2021 to October 2021. There are a number of calls to MDTA which has increased to 3,000 per day, which is nearly double the usual amount, the agency said.
The center has received nearly 180,000 calls in November 2021.
In April 2021, the Maryland Transmit Administration agency has said it has also struggled to retain workers in the call center. This is after starting with 160 representatives in April 2021. The number of staffers did fall to 60 by August, according to MDTA.
The officials do recommend motorists that get E-ZPass. This does link toll payments to a bank account or a credit card and offers discount rates.
In fact, drivers can also enroll in Pay-By-Plate. That automatically bills tolls to a valid credit card.
The motorists who have not signed up for either option can also pay their tolls online. Then save up to 15% before a toll notice is mailed. Plus, MDTA’s five customer service centers are also open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. That is for people that pay tolls in person. There are six Motor Vehicle Administration locations that also accept payments.