Drive Through Bandits Take A Toll

Toll-takers say they aren’t going to be sitting targets – they’re demanding guns. The only way to deter armed thugs is to be armed, says Peter Lukas, head of New York’s toll-takers’ union. (His collectors already have some police powers, but they can’t carry their guns into the booths.) Highway officials have dismissed the idea, arguing that robbers may be more likely to shoot any toll-taker who makes a sudden move, and will steal the guns along with the cash. They also worry that collectors may actually try to use their guns, turning the nation’s highways into something out of Dodge City. “Jesus, you’re not John Wayne,” says Greg Bayol of California’s transportation agency.

Officials have tightened security, but the real answer may be a cashless tollbooth that automatically takes money from the driver’s prepaid account – a system that should be in place on three New York bridges next year. Afraid for their lives, toll-takers may soon be fearing for their jobs.

title: “Drive Through Bandits Take A Toll” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-28” author: “Mary Boatman”

Toll-takers say they aren’t going to be sitting targets – they’re demanding guns. The only way to deter armed thugs is to be armed, says Peter Lukas, head of New York’s toll-takers’ union. (His collectors already have some police powers, but they can’t carry their guns into the booths.) Highway officials have dismissed the idea, arguing that robbers may be more likely to shoot any toll-taker who makes a sudden move, and will steal the guns along with the cash. They also worry that collectors may actually try to use their guns, turning the nation’s highways into something out of Dodge City. “Jesus, you’re not John Wayne,” says Greg Bayol of California’s transportation agency.

Officials have tightened security, but the real answer may be a cashless tollbooth that automatically takes money from the driver’s prepaid account – a system that should be in place on three New York bridges next year. Afraid for their lives, toll-takers may soon be fearing for their jobs.