Click here to see all stories.

Senate Committee Questions Turnpike Perk

07/29/2010

Members of the state Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday questioned the head of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission about a perk that apparently allows all Turnpike Commission employees -- about 2,000 of them -- to ride the Turnpike for free.

The revelation about the perk comes just days after the Commission raised tolls on the Turnpike for the third time in a year-and-a-half.

Turnpike Commission CEO Joe Brimmeier acknowledged the employee perk, and said he dosen't see a "public appearance problem" with it.

The topic arose as turnpike officials told the Senate committee of the many streamlining efforts they have undertaken over the last two years.  They said administrators' pay has been frozen for two years, 15 management positions have been cut, and about 60 positions that were vacant have been eliminated.

The free Turnpike passage allotted to Commission employees is given via free E-ZPass access, or by use of their employee identification badges.