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Plan Expedites U.S.-Canada Truck Traffic

Business First - by James Fink

Thursday, March 17, 2011
 
 A new ExpressPass program for trucks using the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge should help alleviate traffic back-ups for all motorists.

The ExpressPass program, instituted by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, is the first of its kind along the northern borders between the U.S. and Canada, which border each other along 11 states.

The newly-enacted system allows truckers to pull up to one of two fully automated toll booths on the recently revamped Canadian side plaza of the bridge. Once at the booth, the driver is allowed to flash an ExpressPass, which acts like a debit card, then deducts the appropriate amount from the driver or trucking firm’s account. Factors like axles and weight go into the charges. The web-based account management system allows companies to manage their commercial accounts online.

The system has only been installed on the Canadian plaza.

“When commercial trucks spend less time in line and paying tolls, it saves them time, fuel and money, while also reducing overall congestion for everyone else as well,” said Lew Holloway, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission general manager.

The Lewiston-Queenston Bridge is the one of the three operated by the bridge commission that allows for truck traffic.

Holloway said the ExpressPass system is also available for bus companies and their drivers on the Rainbow Bridge.

The ExpressPass system is expected to serve 270 trucking companies who collectively send more than 15,000 vehicles across the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.

Cassens Transport of Lewiston, a car-transporting firm, served as the test case for the system. Kathy Majka, Cassens supervisor, said the system works and is very effective.

“We have had nothing but positive feedback from our Canadian and U.S. drivers,” Majka said. “This new program is a boost for productivity and has greatly reduced our drivers’ down time while waiting to cross the border. Definitely a win-win situation for all involved.”