Date:
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Contact:
Janet Matkin, WSDOT Communications, (253) 534-4660
GIG HARBOR – Over 100,000 transponders have been issued to drivers who want to save time and money when the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge opens to traffic on July 16. The response has exceeded all expectations for the Good To Go! program, which allows commuters to pay tolls electronically, without ever stopping at the manual toll booths.
WSDOT has directed its tolls operations contractor TransCore, Inc. to ensure there are enough transponders in stock to meet the overwhelming demand. “We want to make sure that everyone who wants a transponder has one,” explained Greg Selstead, WSDOT’s Director of Tolling Operations. “With more than twice as many people setting up Good To Go! accounts than anticipated, our supply is dwindling and TransCore is working diligently to add to our inventory.”
Drivers needing a transponder before Monday’s bridge opening should visit one of two customer service centers. They should expect long lines and plan accordingly. New accounts established on-line, by phone, or by mail will not receive transponders for several days as service centers try to keep up with in-person demand.
Selstead said all available staff has been directed toward staffing the customer service centers, where thousands of new Good To Go! customers have opened accounts in the past several days. "We are extending our hours, opening mobile centers, and increasing the number of representatives available to process in-person orders,” noted Selstead.
The Gig Harbor customer service center, 3212 50th Street Court, Suite 200, is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Tacoma customer service center, 2115 S. 56th St, Suite 306, is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Customer service representatives will be at both ends of the bridge during opening ceremonies on Sunday and at the WSDOT facility off the Mullenix exit in Port Orchard from 6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.
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