WSDOT investigating 520 bridge toll overcharges
Jan 30, 2012, 4:55 AM | Updated: 6:01 am
The Washington State Department of Transportation is investigating a glitch that caused some drivers to be overcharged when crossing the 520 bridge.
The Washington State Department of Transportation is investigating a glitch that caused some drivers to be overcharged when crossing the 520 bridge.
“The issue was sporadic, so some customers may see a series of accurate transactions followed by incorrect charges, such as an additional 25-cents Pay By Plate fee,” said WSDOT Toll Division Director Craig Stone.
“Our next step is to ensure customers will not be charged incorrectly and make necessary adjustments to their accounts,” said Stone. “We will not charge the Pay By Plate fee to SR 520 drivers during the week we had this billing issue. If a customer crossed the bridge between Tuesday, Jan. 17, and Wednesday, Jan. 25, we’ll either credit back their account or not charge the 25-cent fee.”
The 25-cent transaction fee is charged for those who travel the bridge infrequently and pay by the license plate.
Even those motorists that were billed correctly in the period will get the refund.
State officials say the billing problem was related to the toll equipment’s internal clock. The problem was fixed Jan. 26.
State toll division director Craig Stone says the agency is working to fix accounts that already were billed.
“We understand that a mischarge is frustrating even if it’s 25 cents,” said Stone. “We held back the transactions as soon as we realized there was a serious problem and are working to fix the accounts that already were billed. We ask for customers’ patience as we correct the billing issues.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
