Unpaid E-ZPass Bills Lead to Thousands in Hefty Fees and Fines

The E-ZPass Billing Crisis

• 💡 A Staten Island father, Tyler Rivera, faced a financial crisis due to unpaid E-ZPass bills, accumulating thousands in late fees and fines.
• 🎯 The accumulated fees were nearly five times the original toll costs, with one account reaching over $14,000 in fees from $3,000 in tolls.

How the Fees Snowballed

• ⚠️ Rivera's issues stemmed from an unmatched new license plate and transponder on his account.
• 📌 He was also manually adding money to his account instead of using auto-replenish, and his forwarding address expired, causing bills to go undelivered.
• 💸 Attorney Steuart Goodman notes an increase in tolling authorities actively collecting unpaid tolls and fees.

Seeking Resolution and Advice

• 🤝 Following CBS News' inquiry, Rivera's fees were cut in half by the MTA.
• 🚗 Rivera expressed concern about his ability to drive for work and family obligations due to the high costs.
• 📞 For those in similar situations, the MTA Office of the Toller Advocate can help arrange payment plans and settlements.