The in basket: Rebecca Copenhaver asks, “How does one fail to pay at a toll booth?
“I received a citation in the mail,” she said, “with a snapshot of my license plate, saying I was believed to have gone through the toll booth at the Tacoma Narrows Bridge without paying.
“Is this even possible? I picture myself in some action movie, high-speed chase, blowing through the little arm at mach speed. It makes no sense … I have asked for my day in court, but would like to know if this actually happens,” she said.
The out basket: Janet Matkin of the toll-collecting office at the bridge said she can’t discuss an individual case due to privacy restrictions, but can describe things that can lead to this accusation.
“A driver may receive a citation when using the manual toll lanes because: (1) they do not have the cash, credit card, or debit card to pay the toll; or (2) they have insufficient funds in their debit account; or (3) their credit card may be declined when the transaction is processed later in the day; or (4) they may have a security program associated with their credit card that does not allow a transaction without a signature.
“In order to avoid a citation,” Janet said, “drivers using the manual toll lanes are encouraged to pay cash, use a valid credit card, or ensure they have sufficient funds in their account.
“Any customer who thinks they have received a citation in error is encouraged to contact the Good To Go! customer service center at 1-866-936-8246 to have the citation researched,” she added.
She could say she’d looked into Rebecca’s case and “do know that her citation(s) appear to be valid.”