Town government opposes EZPass center closure

Town of Grand Island government is looking for a local solution to the loss of the EZPass Walk-In Center on Grand Island Boulevard.

Since the New York State Thruway Authority announced earlier this month that the EZPass Walk-In Center on Grand Island will close on June 8, elected officials have fielded numerous inquiries and heard from many concerned residents, said Town Supervisor Mary Cooke. She said NYSTA representatives have said the only office remaining open will be Staten Island.

"While I appreciate that one can purchase an EZPass at two locations on Grand Island, Tops and Wilson Farms, the problem is that adding money to an existing account (reloading) is possible online only, creating an impossible situation for EZPass holders who do not have access to a computer, or do not have use of a credit card.

I am in almost daily contact with the Thruway Authority about this problem, stressing our sense of urgency that the lack of EZ Pass services is a serious detriment to our community. Also, I am pressing upon them repeatedly that we are in a unique situation here on the Island, and need a local solution for our dependency on EZ Pass.

"They are exploring options to have a reloading site on Grand Island. I am urging them to get this in place before they close the existing EZ Pass Walk-In Center."