Tech upgrades to speed up your trip!

June 2016

New system in exit lanes means faster service for all

In tandem with introducing E-ZPass® in 2009, the Ohio Turnpike was one of the first toll roads to offer customers the ability to pay by using a credit card. Last year, nearly two million customers chose to pay by credit card.

On June 15 (last week), a new credit card software processing system was activated to process credit transactions in all staffed Ohio Turnpike exit lanes. The new system now automates the process.

As a result of the increased efficiency, Toll Collectors will spend about 50 percent less time assisting customers with their credit transactions. Why is this news worth sharing? In a typical day, about 5,000 cars and 500 trucks will pay by using a credit card. Over the course of a year, the time spent waiting in line will be reduced by about 12,000 hours.

"We're committed to maintaining the highest level of service and technology to make traveling on the Ohio Turnpike a smooth and enjoyable experience," said Executive Director Randy Cole. "Watch for additional news on other improvements in the months ahead."

Randy Cole
Executive Director

Ohio Turnpike Customer Service reps ready to help you

The Ohio Turnpike is committed to excellence in customer service. That's why E-ZPass® Customer Service Center (CSC) representatives are available to answer questions regarding your account, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at 1-88-TURNPIKE.

After normal business hours, callers may find helpful information through the interactive voice response system at the same phone number or by visiting our FAQs page for answers to frequently asked questions.

Martin Seekely
Chief Financial Officer

The Customer Service team is available Monday through Friday at 1-88-TURNPIKE.

Discount Drug Mart joins the E-ZPass retail program

The Ohio Turnpike continues to expand its E-ZPass® partnerships with retailers. Beginning this weekend, Discount Drug Mart, Inc. will be offering E-ZPass transponders at 30 northern Ohio stores throughout seven counties.

In its first six years and seven months of operation on the Ohio Turnpike, E-ZPass saved its customers more than $287 million compared to customers who paid cash over the same period.

“In our continued effort to be responsive to our customers, we are making it easier than ever to acquire an E-ZPass transponder by adding Discount Drug Mart as a retail partner,” said Ohio Turnpike Executive Director Randy Cole. “Drug Mart is a highly respected brand name in retail and we are happy to partner with them.” Click to read more.

You can enter to win four FREE Toledo Air Show tickets

On July 16-17, the skies over northwest Ohio will fill with the supersonic sounds of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and many other performers in the Toledo Air Show.

For your chance to win a set of four FREE tickets on Sunday, July 17, simply click the link below and fill out the electronic form. We’ll choose a random winner on or about July 8, 2016. Good luck!

VIDEO: Seat belt use is required by law to save lives

In 2014, seat belt use saved an estimated 12,802 people from dying. When you’re not wearing your seat belt, you’re risking serious injury or death. And unlike a TV show or a movie, there’s no rewinding and no do-overs.

This summer, Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers will be stepping up enforcement on the Ohio Turnpike to crack down on motorists not wearing their seat belts. Why are Troopers enforcing seat belt laws? Because in real life, you don’t get a second chance. Watch this 30 second video and be inspired to always wear your seat belt.

VIDEO: Join us for Customer Appreciation on July 1

The summer travel season is off to a great start on the Ohio Turnpike. On June 10 at the Erie Islands Service Plaza in Clyde, Ohio, customers signed up for prizes from Sunoco, including $25 gift cards, blankets and ball caps. Customers also enjoyed $1 hot dogs provided by HMS Host.

On May 27 at the Wyandot Service Plaza, Terri Herbert of South Bend, Indiana and Matt St. George from Parma, Ohio each won a set of tickets to Cedar Point. Congratulations and thanks to Hardee's for furnishing the free tickets!

On July 1, HMS Host will fire up its grills at the Vermilion Valley Service Plaza to offer $1 hot dogs to travelers ready for a tasty bite to eat on the go.

Travelers also will be treated to free samples from Ohio Heartland Stores from 10:00 a.m.until 3:00 p.m. Scheduled to participate are Great Lakes Smoked Meats of Lorain, Heini's Cheese of Berlin, Ohio, Schlecter Brothers Country Harvest of Amherst, Figg's Apple Pie of Mansfield and Udderly Smooth of Salem, Ohio.

The Ohio Turnpike, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Sunoco will participate with children's activities, coupons and safety information.

Plan to stop and enjoy $1 hot dogs and free tasting samples at Vermilion Valley on July 1.

Take the Pledge to drive distraction-free and win $25

Driving while distracted is a deadly behavior. According to estimates by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distraction contributed to 16 percent of all fatal crashes, leading to around 5,000 deaths per year.

Numbers like that are one reason why thousands of motorists have taken the Ohio Turnpike's Distracted Driving Pledge since it began last November. If you haven't yet taken the pledge, it's not too late to do so to earn a chance at winning a $25 Sunoco Gift Card. This month's winner is Cindy Tauber of Toledo.

Be a leader in your family and among your friends. Take the pledge to drive distraction-free. You'll get to your destination safely and you'll protect other drivers.

In 1993, Gov. George V. Voinovich presided over the opening of two exits to serve the GM Corp. plant in Lordstown, Ohio. With him is UAW Local 1112 Shop Chairman Al Alli.

Stay informed on changing traffic patterns due to accidents, work zones and construction delays,
E-ZPass® updates and other Turnpike news by following us on Twitter and Facebook.

Copyright © 2016 Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have a past relationship with the
Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.

Published by the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission,
Randy Cole, Executive Director
Adam Greenslade, Director of Government Affairs, Marketing and Communications
Questions or suggestions? Contact Brian Newbacher, Editor, brian.newbacher@ohioturnpike.org.

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