E-ZPass is now running at the Atlantic Beach Bridge

The Atlantic Beach Bridge E-ZPass system is “up and running, full force,” according to Samuel Nahmias, chairman of the Nassau County Bridge Authority’s board.

As of Dec. 13, E-ZPass is being accepted in all toll lanes, as opposed to the previous, cash-only system, convenience is the keyword, Nahmias said.

In 362 days from initial planning, the E-ZPass installation was complete, an electronic toll collection system allowing prepayments and discounted rates, used in 18 states across the country, according to NY.gov.

Raymond Webb, executive director of NCBA, said the previous system was insufficient. In the first day of operation with the E-ZPass system, the bridge saw a 50 percent drop in cash being used. 

“The customers are satisfied, we’re getting a log of claps and two thumbs up,” Webb said.

Nahmias said the new system will also allow the NCBA to monitor traffic patterns.

Atlantic Beach, as well as Lido Beach, Long Beach and Point Lookout residents can register their vehicles with E-ZPass through the bridge authority site Ncbaabb.com or at the bridge authority at 160 Beach 2nd Street in Lawrence allowing them a $2.50 rate when crossing the bridge or $162.50 annually for unlimited access.

Nassau County residents can register their vehicle for $199 annually and non-Nassau residents can register for $349 annually. Non-Atlantic Beach, Lido Beach, Long Beach and Point Lookout residents will be billed $3 by using their E-ZPass to cross, or $4 cash.

Nahmias said the toll increase was due to the need for necessary updates. He added that under the previous board, many capital improvement projects were deferred in order to keep tolls at a certain level, but now are more costly due to inflation. Cutting staff to 19 from 29, Nahmias added, will also generate cost savings.

Atlantic Beach resident, Barry Ringelheim said he still has questions.

“I’m willing to accept the higher fare, but for some reason, there are people who would like to know where the money’s going and why the increase,” he said. “Is EZ-Pass accepting money from this, did the bridge pay from it or did EZ-Pass pay for it if they’re going to be the ones collecting money?”

Beth Garnett, also an Atlantic Beach resident, does not drive but uses Uber to go to medical appointments and is penalized by the toll increase, she said, being that she cannot register a vehicle under the system.

“I don’t want to pay $8 to come and go from my house,” Garnett said. “It’s grossly excessive, it’s controlling people’s lives to such an extent it’s absurd.”

Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages supports the change, he said.

“I had trouble with the fact that it was a cash toll and the fact that there could be the opportunity of misappropriation of funds,” he said.

The NCBA holds an official grand opening of the new system at the administration building at 11 a.m. on Dec. 20.

“We just want to acknowledge everyone’s hard work and perseverance, we want to mark it as a milestone in Atlantic Beach history, it should make everyone’s lives a lot easier,” Webb said.

Have an opinion on EZ-Pass at the Atlantic Beach Bridge? Send letter to jbessen@liherald.com.