The first group of $49 citations were mailed to vehicle owners who evaded the toll on the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge. WSDOT and its toll operations contractor TransCore are focused on ensuring the system works properly and that true violators are cited. A total of 3,347 citation notices were certified by the Washington State Patrol and sent to vehicle owners. Violators have up to 15 days to respond to the mailed citations.
“WSDOT is committed to carrying through on its oversight role with TransCore to make sure the violation system works properly from start to finish,” said Greg Selstead, WSDOT’s Director of Tolling Operations. “There are many players who all work together to make this happen. TransCore successfully completed its review and processing of license plate photos; the Department of Licensing provided information on the vehicle owners; Washington State Patrol cadets certified the citations; TransCore mailed them out to violators; and the Pierce County Administrative Court is standing ready to process the citations.”
A handful of citations were issued in error to Good To Go! customers. The few affected individuals are being contacted by phone, e-mail, and letter to explain the situation and assure them the citations have been removed from the court docket. Selstead explained, “With only three months to create a system that complied with new legislation passed last April, TransCore has been focused on making everything work. However, some challenges remain. Were working very hard to address the issues and create a smooth-running system for violation processing.”
Vehicle owners who receive a citation have the option of paying by mail, by telephone, or by using the courts on-line payment system. Those who seek a court hearing may choose: (1) a Mitigation Hearing if they agree to having committed the infraction and want to explain the circumstances or (2) a Contested Hearing if they believe they did not commit the infraction and want to challenge it.
Vehicle owners who do not have Good To Go! accounts must use the far right lane and exit at the toll plaza to pay with cash or credit card at the toll booths. Photos are taken of the license plates of vehicles who fail to pay and the owners are issued citations.
Drivers still wanting to sign up for Good To Go! can do so by visiting one of the customer service centers located at 3212 50th Street Court, Suite 200, Gig Harbor and 2115 S. 56th St, Suite 306, Tacoma. Those who dont want to wait in line may apply online at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/goodtogo ; by calling toll free (866) 936-8246; by faxing an application to (253) 853-4235; or by mailing an application to P.O. Box 5050, Gig Harbor, WA 98335-5050.
