Local Legislation Targets E-ZPass Issues – CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — There’s a new bill making its way through Annapolis that could help those struggling with E-ZPass issues.

Maryland is facing a big backlog — and this bill could ease some of the pain that comes with big bills.

CONTINUE READING: Weather Watch: Dangerous winds can accompany thunderstorms

The Maryland House of Delegates voted Wednesday to pass a bill that would extend the timeframe for contesting E-ZPass fees from 120 days to one year.

Lawmakers hope this bill will help reduce backlog and long waits on calls.

“Having that extra time for people to review fees would be a very welcome financial respite in these economic times,” said Caleb Jasso of the Job Opportunities Task Force.

Some of the problems related to the EZPasses are due to the pandemic.

In spring 2020, the MDTA switched to fully electronic toll collection to protect toll collectors and drivers from COVID-19.

Similar to deferring rent, mortgage and other financial relief programs, the MDTA decided to pause processing of certain transactions and delay sending bills for months.

“E-ZPass was pretty difficult to deal with at the moment,” said EZ-Pass customer Katie Glemza.

CONTINUE READING: Stuck cargo ship always moving forward cannot move forward

Glemza passes through the tollbooths to work twice a day.

Glemza said the fees on her passport are taking an emotional toll. In fact, she’s still being billed for trips she took two years ago that have already been paid off, she said.

“I pay only $1.40 each way and then get a $6 ticket or later get a $52 ticket and say I didn’t pay for it, even though I already did,” Glemza said.

She said she tried troubleshooting her E-ZPass issues online, but that approach didn’t work for her, nor did calling a representative.

“They try to fix it, but at the end of the day I’m still throwing tons and tons of money that I’ve already paid for,” Glemza said.

E-ZPass customer William Madrino said he has to pay $1,000 in E-ZPass fees.

“The bottom line here is that E-ZPass is meant to be easy and Maryland is anything but lately,” said delegate Linda Foley.

There is currently an online petition with over 32,000 signatures. It calls on Gov. Larry Hogan to appoint a task force to investigate the problems with the E-ZPass.

MORE NEWS: Baltimore County couple go abroad to help Ukrainian refugees

The bill now goes to the Maryland Senate for discussion.