Conduent Transportation, a global provider of smart mobility technology solutions, is helping agencies in the US implement programs to waive overdue toll penalties, easing the financial burden of roadway tolls for motorists and benefiting low-income individuals and families.
This summer, the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) and its partners launched two programs with support from Conduent that are now available for drivers with overdue payments from toll violations in the San Francisco area.
The first program offers all motorists, regardless of income level, a one-time full or partial violation penalty waiver through September 2024. Partner agencies Golden Gate Bridge and express lane operators also are offering full or partial waivers, which BATA administers. With these programs, BATA hopes to encourage individuals to avoid default and regain compliance.
The second program, which offers a payment plan designed to make paying off tolls, fees, and penalties easier, is open to any low-income motorists who have received toll violations on Bay Area bridges and express lanes. Those who qualify can have all their violation penalties waived and can pay off any remaining balance of US$100 or more with a payment plan.
Using advanced technology for processing tolling transactions, Conduent designed and implemented the system capabilities to make these programs available to BATA customers. In addition, Conduent has enhanced the customer experience and issued proactive communications to support the new plans.
“We know people don’t mean to fall into debt when it comes to paying their tolls,” said Carol Kuester, director of electronic payments at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which operates the BATA programs. “These programs will help a significant number of people get out of that debt and start fresh.”
The BATA programs are in addition to a program that Conduent implemented for motorists in Florida, which automatically gives frequent users with toll transactions a credit to their accounts. Conduent has also implemented curbside management initiatives that offer discounts or payment plans to enhance equity in municipalities such as Chicago and Los Angeles.
“We see the impact that rising toll debt can have on low-income motorists, especially those who rely on these roadways daily for work, education, medical care and other needs,” said Adam Appleby, president of transportation solutions at Conduent. “We appreciate the efforts made by BATA, and Conduent is proud to do its part in helping the agency provide critical relief to these individuals so they, in turn, can regain payment compliance without accumulating more debt.”