Tolling Industry Takes Action During Infrastructure Week 2014

TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014
CONTACT: Kristofer Eisenla, LUNA+EISENLA media
[email protected] | 202-670-5747 (mobile)

International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association Releases Online Toll Kit to Engage and Educate Policymakers and the Public
on the Importance of the Nation’s Future Transportation Infrastructure Needs

WASHINGTON, DC – In advance of Infrastructure Week 2014 (May 12-16), the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the worldwide association representing toll facility owners and operators and businesses that serve them, today released its online toll kit providing tools and resources to engage the public, the media and policymakers on the benefits of tolling. Patrick D. Jones, Executive Director and CEO of IBTTA said, “Tolling is a proven, effective method to fund and finance roads, bridges and tunnels in 35 states and dozens of countries around the world. The advantage of tolling is that it gives people the opportunity to see where their money is being spent. Tolls go to retire toll road debt, support toll road operations, and pay for the vital maintenance needed to preserve the roadway.”

The new Grassroots Toll Kit is part of IBTTA’s “Moving America Forward” campaign, launched to facilitate a public dialogue around the need for surface infrastructure investment in the United States and around the globe. 

“Infrastructure Week 2014 is a perfect occasion for IBTTA to release this new online toll kit. With more than 45 million active electronic tolling accounts in the U.S., people recognize the value of toll roads, bridges and tunnels in providing safe, effective and reliable travel times to school, church, work or play,” said Jones.

As Congress debates how to fund the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill and state and local governments struggle with dwindling federal funds from the Highway Trust Fund,   “IBTTA is calling on Congress to give states the maximum flexibility needed to meet their individual transportation funding challenges,” said Jones.

The toll kit is one component of IBTTA’s Moving America Forward Campaign. Last month, IBTTA brought together more than 150 transportation leaders from across the country to call on Congress to consider tolling as one of the tools in the toolbox to fund our nation’s Interstate system.

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About IBTTA

The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) is the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve them. Founded in 1932, IBTTA has members in more than 20 countries on six continents. Through advocacy, thought leadership and education, members are implementing state-of-the-art, innovative user-based transportation financing solutions to address the critical infrastructure challenges of the 21st century. For more information, visit www.ibtta.org or join us on Twitter @IBTTA or #TollRoads.