Transit agency extends toll road grace period

Following the transition to cashless payments on Orange County toll roads last month, the Transportation Corridor Agencies is easing penalties for first-time violations.

As called for by county Supervisor Todd Spitzer, a grace period will extend through Labor Day for such drivers.

So long as the toll amount is paid within 30 days of receipt of a first-time violation notice, the $57.50 fee will be waived.

Still, Spitzer said he did not believe 30 days was enough time and argued that all toll fines and penalties should be temporarily stopped.

“This rollout was meant to improve the toll road service, not burden the driver,” he said in a news release.

Between now and Labor Day, he said, the Transportation Corridor Agencies, which manages the roadways, should evaluate whether a longer grace period is needed to ensure that drivers understand how the new pay system works.

Since the changeover, about 13,500 violation notices had been sent out daily, agency spokeswoman Lori Olin said. An estimated 250,000 people use the toll-road network each day.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies has been waiving fees for the past week or two, she said.

To further aid the transition, additional signs will be installed and messages will be flashed on the changeable freeway information boards, according to the release. Ten additional customer service representatives are also being hired temporarily.

Information about the payment options can be found on the agency’s website, https://www.thetollroads.com.

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