Eventually, cashless tolls would allow drivers without an E-ZPass to roll through the Hudson Bridge plaza.

WSJ: Henry Hudson Bridge to Lose Cash Tolls

E-ZPass lanes now funnel up to 25% more traffic across the bridge during rush periods, according to Mr. Redding.

WSJ: Henry Hudson Bridge to Lose Cash Tolls

Drivers who don't have E-ZPass but zip through those lanes anyway are tracked down by the MTA and fined.

WSJ: Henry Hudson Bridge to Lose Cash Tolls

The technology to track where you drive and how far is now available, as well, combining things like the E-ZPass with GPS and wireless networking.

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The New Jersey Turnpike Authority claims that its E-ZPass system reduces delays for all drivers by 85% and saves 1.2 million gallons of fuel per year.

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The MTA didn't lose money in 2011 on the Hudson span, even after it removed gates from the existing E-ZPass lanes, which allowed motorists to move through the tolls without stopping.

WSJ: Henry Hudson Bridge to Lose Cash Tolls

Meanwhile, traffic on the bridge has moved more smoothly since E-ZPass-equipped drivers have been able to pass through the tolls without stopping, Mr. Redding said during a meeting of the MTA's Bridges and Tunnels Committee.

WSJ: Henry Hudson Bridge to Lose Cash Tolls

By levying fines, the agency was able to recoup virtually all of the toll revenue lost to drivers who simply drove through the E-ZPass lanes without paying, said Bob Redding, senior director of new tolling initiatives for the MTA's Bridges and Tunnels Agency.

WSJ: Henry Hudson Bridge to Lose Cash Tolls

Whatever is collected beyond that is dropped into a vault at the end of their shift and later transported to a bank. (For reasons of security, the Port Authority will not disclose the name of the bank or the amount of money dropped into the vault.) Beyond simply collecting cash, toll collectors are required to document every non-E-ZPass customer by pressing relevant buttons on their monitor.

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