Who Needs All That Toll Collecting Stuff Anyway?

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission issued a press release this week saying it lost $2.2 million in toll revenue during the seven-day strike in November by its toll collectors and maintenance workers.

Turns out that wasn’t bad at all.
"When I look at the bottom line, I can simplify this whole toll collection system and make more money," said Joe Brimmeier, the commission's executive director. "Why not just have a flat toll and eliminate tens of millions of dollars in high-tech equipment?"
The Associated Press reported that the commission is seriously considering flat-rates tolls for the roadway.
Nearly 2,000 Teamster employees struck between Nov. 24 and Dec. 1. Managers staffed toll booths and motorists were charged flat $2 tolls for passengers vehicles and $15 for trucks, regardless of the distance they traveled.