In a post shared on Facebook, the Authority underscored that neither E-ZPass nor Tolls By Mail would ever solicit sensitive personal information via email. They made it clear that details such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, usernames, or passwords are never requested through email or any other unsolicited contact.

“If you are contacted by anyone stating that they are from E-ZPass or Tolls By Mail and they are seeking personal information, please do not provide the information requested,” the Authority warned.

For those needing assistance, support is available through E-ZPass at 1-800-333-8655 E-ZPass NY or Tolls By Mail at 1-844-826-8400 Tolls By Mail NY.

Additionally, incidents can be reported to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center by visiting IC3.

Remain vigilant and protect your personal information by being aware of these deceitful email tactics.

Source: Truckers News

The post Important Notice from NYS Thruway Authority: Beware of E-ZPass and Tolls By Mail Email Scams appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Assembly Bill 8582

In a decisive move, the Assembly recently voted 143-1 to advance Assembly Bill 8582, proposed by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam. The legislation seeks to mitigate this issue by requiring GPS systems to display the heights of bridges, tunnels, and underpasses on planned routes. The bill now awaits Senate approval.

“The primary objective is to mitigate the rising number of bridge strikes in New York due to ineffective warnings from GPS systems,” notes the bill memo.

Santabarbara pointed out that the surge in traffic directed by GPS systems has contributed to the increase in bridge collisions. Despite the presence of warning signs, many drivers, especially those new to the area, continue to hit low-clearance bridges.

“This bill will help drivers see these dangers on their GPS, keeping everyone safer on the road,” Santabarbara stated. “Warning signs alone aren’t enough, so putting these alerts right where drivers are already looking will make a big difference.”

The proposed law mandates that GPS navigation and digital maps show the legal clearance heights for bridges and overpasses on planned routes. This includes displaying height information on routes and alerting drivers about their duty to follow vehicle height and weight restrictions as well as other traffic regulations.

2023 Law

A year prior, Gov. Hochul signed legislation requiring the New York State Department of Transportation to compile and publish bridge strike data. The law also tasks the department with identifying preventive measures against vehicle collisions with low-clearance bridges.

The bill’s sponsor highlighted that truck drivers are often unaware of these height restrictions until it is too late, leading to collisions. In November, the state conducted a week-long campaign to raise awareness about the issue.

North Grand Island Bridges

Earlier this year, the governor announced the completion of a $1.9 million initiative aimed at reducing bridge strikes at the North Grand Island Bridges in Niagara Falls. The project incorporates electronic over-height detection systems on three approaches: Niagara Scenic Parkway, LaSalle Expressway, and Interstate 190.

Over the past decade, vehicles have struck the eastbound and westbound bridges 28 times.

“Bridge strikes create dangerous situations, and it’s imperative that we do all we can to prevent them,” Hochul stated.

Source: Land line

The post New York Assembly Requires GPS Systems to Display Bridge and Tunnel Heights appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the issued statement, “The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads,” the news release notes. “Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from EZDriveMA or another toll agency should not click on the link.”

EZDriveMA released specific statements on the actions they do and do not take when requesting payment from customers:

• EZDriveMA will never request payment through text messages.
• Any legitimate links from EZDriveMA will always use the domain www.EZDriveMA.com.

This particular scam is part of a broader series of smishing scams currently being monitored by the FBI. The FBI recommends the following actions if you receive such fraudulent messages:

1. File a complaint with the IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov/.
2. Note the phone number from which the text originated.
3. Include any website address mentioned in the message.
4. Validate your account through the official toll service website.
5. Contact EZDriveMA’s customer service at (877) 627-7745.
6. Delete any received smishing texts.
7. If you have clicked on a link or shared personal information, take immediate steps to secure your personal data and financial accounts and report any unauthorized charges.

MassDOT strongly advises all customers to stay alert to these scams and to visit https://www.ezdrivema.com/ for any questions or concerns regarding notifications from EZDriveMA.

Source: The Trucker

The post MassDOT Warns Toll Users of Scammer Targeting appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Manhattan judge is considering arguments from unionized public school teachers, local Republican officials, and other New Yorkers who have filed lawsuits seeking to block the plan.

According to the proposal finalized in March, most private car drivers, including locals and tourists, entering Manhattan south of Central Park will be required to pay about $15 during the daytime.

The impact of this on professional drivers could be even more significant. The tolls will be higher for larger vehicles and lower for motorcycles and late-night entries. Those not enrolled in a regional toll collection program will face a charge of $22.50.

The tolling plan could have a serious impact on truck drivers, who often have no choice but to enter Manhattan for deliveries and other business-related activities. The higher toll rates for larger vehicles mean that truck drivers and freight companies could face substantial additional costs, potentially leading to increased prices for goods and services as businesses pass these costs onto consumers.

The toll could alter delivery schedules and routes, as truckers might seek to avoid the congestion zone during peak hours to minimize expenses. This could complicate logistics and increase challenges for drivers who are already dealing with the complexities of urban traffic and tight delivery windows. The added financial burden may be particularly tough on independent truck drivers and small freight companies, who operate on thin margins and have less flexibility to absorb or offset new expenses.

The lawsuits argue that federal transportation officials approved the tolling plan without adequate review and that more comprehensive environmental studies are needed. They claim the fee will increase congestion and pollution as drivers take alternate routes to avoid the Manhattan toll, unfairly impacting low-income and minority communities already suffering from poor air quality.

Additionally, the suits argue that drivers from other city boroughs and suburbs with insufficient mass transit options will have to deal with an unfair financial burden. Small businesses within the congestion zone could face higher operating costs and reduced customer traffic.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which oversees the congestion fee plan, asserts that it conducted thorough environmental reviews. The MTA claims it identified no significant impacts on area communities that could not be helped through proposed efforts, such as investments in electric buses to improve air quality.

The MTA says that the fee will help reduce traffic and enhance regional air quality by discouraging driving into Manhattan. It is expected to generate approximately $1 billion annually for the city’s subway and bus systems, which serve about 4 million riders daily.

The agency has warned that any delays to the fee could jeopardize essential improvements, including plans to modernize some of the nation’s busiest subway lines. The MTA aims to implement the fee by June 30.

Judge Lewis Liman is not expected to issue an immediate decision.

Source: The Trucker

The post Possibly Unfair Fee for Drivers in NYC Being Heard by Federal Judge appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.