Toll Collector

Toll Collector

TollBoothGuy

5 Years Experience

Brooklyn, NY

Male, 33

I spent just short of five years as a toll collector on the western end of New York State. Ask me anything, but please don't pay me in pennies.

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Last Answer on September 11, 2020

Best Rated

If a collector instructs a car to BACK UP out of a toll because the person in front of them couldn't pay, can they be held responsible for any damages that may occur? This happened to me causing me to scrape the side of my car on the pavement curb.

Asked by excalibur almost 11 years ago

I'll be honest, I'm not sure if anyone can be held liable in that situation.  Usually when any kind of incident happens out on the road, drivers can request to make a report to whatever law enforcement agency has jurisdiction.  Personally, I'd never instruct a car to back up out of a lane unless absolutely necessary and I would physically get out of my booth and back everyone up so that this kind of situation has as little chance of happening as possible.  Sorry to hear about the damages to your vehicle. 

Went through triboro bridge toll plaza today and was on my phone. Attendant asked me to hang up which i did. He then got out of his booth to grab my phone and check that it was indeed not communicating and also threatened to issue a ticket. Can he???

Asked by VA guy almost 11 years ago

I don't really know anything about operations at the Triborough Bridge but this might shed some light on your experience:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triborough_Bridge_and_Tunnel_Authority_Police

It looks like these officers may collect tolls from time to time, which might explain the potential ticket.  Pure speculation from my perspective, though. 

What do you do if someone short changes you?

Asked by Chris about 11 years ago

If you don't catch it before the car drives away, note it on your log for the day.  Collectors are responsible for all money at the end of the day, and if a discrepancy exists above a certain threshold disciplinary action can ensue. You get pretty quick at counting change so unless it's off by a coin you'll be able to feel that it's not quite right and hopefully stop the car before it takes off.  Some drivers are great about waiting a second and others could care less. 

I have often found myself hanging out of my booth waving my arms wildly trying to flag down a driver as he starts to move away. 

Can anyone park at the lots next to the toll booths?

Asked by Heidi almost 9 years ago

Those lots are reserved for employees and other authorized individuals and are not to be used by the general public. If you have to stop off for a second that's generally okay, but you would not be able to park your vehicle there for any significant length of time.

what security will you take while working on toll both?

Asked by jems over 9 years ago

I took no extra security precautions while I was out on the road. I never felt particularly unsafe, even during solo shifts.

How did you classify between a car, bus, and truck? With the trucks we were told anything that's 7001 pounds over is a truck but anything below that is a car. With the 2500 trucks, how did you classify that? Also what about commerical plate vans?

Asked by Jeff almost 11 years ago

We classify vehicles based on height and axles on the ground.  Anything below 7'6" is classified a 'low' and anything above 7'6" is a 'high'.  So an average car is classified as a 2L while an average tractor trailer is classified as a 5H.  Luckily, we don't have to take weight or commercial status into consideration when classifying.   I know that a different system was in place preceding my arrival and that it had been become somewhat complicated, so this system was installed in an effort to simply the process.  (Something about noting the number of passengers on buses, etc...)

toll collector job is essential job. what precaution will u take to reach on time?

Asked by jems over 9 years ago

While roads do close in emergencies and during particularly adverse weather conditions, it is correct that toll roads do need to remain staffed at all times. If relief cannot make it to you, unfortunately you will generally be expected to remain at your post until they can safely make their way to you. In more general terms, you always try to arrive at least 10-15 mins before the official shift start time so that you can relieve earlier shifts by the time they are scheduled to leave. Some lanes will close/open depending on the time of day, but to maintain continuous service collectors generally cannot close their lane before relief is in place.