Imagine driving for over a decade, diligently paying your way, only to have your livelihood threatened by a staggering $14,000 in E-ZPass fees you didn’t even know you owed. That’s the reality for Luis Corporan, a New York City livery driver whose Taxi and Limousine Commission license has been suspended, leaving him off the road since February 9th.
A Shocking Bill and a Suspended License
Corporan was informed by the Department of Motor Vehicles that his registration was suspended due to unpaid tolls and fees. The breakdown shows a total of $2,134.71 in tolls and a staggering $11,900 in fees, accumulating to a grand total of $14,034.71. “When I heard the amount… there was no words,” Corporan told CBS News, expressing his shock and disbelief.
He insists he was on top of his toll payments, believing he was paying through the app. Corporan questioned why his E-ZPass transponder seemed to work intermittently, leading to this massive accumulation of charges without his full awareness. The MTA spokesperson stated, “People who pay their tolls don’t pay fines,” suggesting willful evasion, a claim Corporan disputes.
Wider Concerns Over Toll Violations and Fees
Corporan’s case is not an isolated incident. It highlights growing concerns among drivers about confusing toll violation systems and excessively high fees. Other drivers have reported similar experiences: Chris Zimring of Staten Island faced $25,000 in late fees, and Melissa Lichtman incurred over $3,000 due to a license plate error. One Brooklyn resident, Ian Chichester, initially faced a bill of over $35,000 before negotiating an 80% reduction.
State Assemblymember Mike Reilly is pushing back against the MTA’s practices, calling them “sheer not caring about people.” While the MTA maintains its fees are lawful, Reilly argues that legality doesn’t equate to fairness and is introducing legislation to cap these charges, which he describes as “crippling.”
Struggling to Make Ends Meet
The MTA reportedly offered Corporan a settlement for around $8,000, but it required immediate payment, which he couldn’t afford. Now, after more than a month without income, Corporan, a father of four, is in a desperate situation. He mentioned reaching out to the MTA’s toll-payer advocate on February 17th but has yet to receive a response.
Corporan’s plea is for others to speak out, stating, “I’m not the first and I probably won’t be the last.” His story serves as a stark warning about the potential pitfalls of navigating New York’s complex tolling system.
What do you think about the high E-ZPass fees and the impact on NYC drivers? Have you had a similar experience? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below!