More drivers are using the state?s pre-paid EZ-Pass to breeze through the notorious Bay Bridge tollbooth this season, according to Maryland Transportation Authority statistics.
Usage of the electronic toll payment system was up 27 percent May 26, the start of the summer travel season, and up 18 percent for the next two weekends. During the same periods, traffic volume barely budged over last year, peaking at 9 percent on Memorial Day weekend.
“We?re attributing the increase in usage to an increase in our on-the-go sales,” said Lindsay Reilly, spokeswoman for the transportation authority.
The transportation authority and Gov. Robert Ehrlich renewed their seasonal television ad campaign to encourage travelers to “go early, stay late,” and use EZ-Pass to navigate the heavy traffic across the Chesapeake Bay. Earlier this year, Giant Food stores in the Annapolis area were added to the list of locations to purchase an EZ-Pass.
“They?ve been very popular with our proximity to the bridge,” said Jim Spates, front-end manager at Giant Food on Forest Drive in Annapolis.
“Between our associate pool that lives on the Eastern Shore and our customers, I?ve had to order a case at least once or twice a month.”
In April and May, EZ-Pass sales increased 11 percent, according to state officials. Reilly said EZ-Pass sales could soon expand to other locations in the Baltimore region, including AAA offices.
