The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said Tuesday it will lay off 500 fare collectors and other toll workers and make the cashless tolling system permanent.The turnpike switched to all-electronic tolling in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Traffic has fallen almost 50% since March compared to last year, and revenue is down by more than $100 million for the fiscal year that ended May 31, according to the commission.The commission said it tried to offset the revenue loss by taking steps that included cutting capital spending, reducing operating expenses and instituting a hiring freeze. Those efforts weren’t enough, the commission said.The layoffs were approved Tuesday by turnpike commissioners and will begin June 18. “I deeply regret that we have reached this point, but the world has been irrevocably changed by the global pandemic,” chief executive Mark Compton said in a statement. “This pandemic had a much greater impact than anyone could have foreseen.”Compton said the decision to permanently operate with all-electronic tolling was also driven by health and safety concerns for employees and customers. Drivers who use the turnpike will continue to move through the lanes at posted speeds without stopping. The commission said tolls will be assessed via E-ZPass, or a toll by plate invoice will be sent in the mail.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said Tuesday it will lay off 500 fare collectors and other toll workers and make the cashless tolling system permanent.
The turnpike switched to all-electronic tolling in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Traffic has fallen almost 50% since March compared to last year, and revenue is down by more than $100 million for the fiscal year that ended May 31, according to the commission.
The commission said it tried to offset the revenue loss by taking steps that included cutting capital spending, reducing operating expenses and instituting a hiring freeze. Those efforts weren’t enough, the commission said.
The layoffs were approved Tuesday by turnpike commissioners and will begin June 18.
“I deeply regret that we have reached this point, but the world has been irrevocably changed by the global pandemic,” chief executive Mark Compton said in a statement. “This pandemic had a much greater impact than anyone could have foreseen.”
Compton said the decision to permanently operate with all-electronic tolling was also driven by health and safety concerns for employees and customers.
Drivers who use the turnpike will continue to move through the lanes at posted speeds without stopping. The commission said tolls will be assessed via E-ZPass, or a toll by plate invoice will be sent in the mail.
Read More News: Pa. Turnpike to lay off hundreds of employees as it makes cashless tolling system
