Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Nation’s Tollroads Show Small Uptick (.02%) In 2013 Memorial Day Traffic, Compared to 2012



WASHINGTON, DC – Ahead of this week’s busy July 4th holiday travel season, the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the worldwide association representing toll facility owners and operators and the businesses that serve them, released results of a comparative, national sample of Memorial Day holiday traffic on a dozen tollroads across the country showing a slight average increase of .02% in 2013 traffic, compared to last year. 

The new data released today from IBTTA comes before this week’s busy 4th of July travel weekend where AAA has predicted 40.8 million Americans are expected to travel.  Of those 40.8 million traveling this holiday week, 84% - or over 34.4 million - of those are expected to take to America’s highways for a journey of at least 50 miles or more from their home. 

“When it comes to safe, reliable holiday travel on America’s highways, bridges and tunnels, consumers continue to see the benefit of choosing to drive on the over 5,000 miles of tolled roads throughout 35 U.S. states and territories,” said Patrick D. Jones, Executive Director and CEO of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association. “Today, most toll roads, bridges and tunnels collect tolls electronically, keeping the flow of traffic moving forward by easing congestion and getting Americans this 4th of July holiday weekend to their barbeques, baseball tournaments and fireworks displays even faster – and safer.”

The data released today comparing Memorial Day traffic on toll roads this past holiday, compared to 2012, is drawn from IBTTA’s members and include a diverse group of agencies throughout the country.  A sampling of the agencies included are:
·      Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel District, Cape Charles, VA
·      Illinois Tollway, Downers Grove, IL
·      E-470 Public Highway Authority, Aurora, CO
·      Lee County Toll Facilities, Fort Myers, FL

In addition to releasing today’s data, IBTTA also has distributed an online, Independence Day travel safety video.  In the video, IBTTA’s Executive Director and CEO, Patrick D. Jones, asks motorists to adhere to three points of advice:  1) “Be Safe in Your Own Vehicle” by making sure your vehicle is well-fueled, your tires are well-inflated and mirrors properly adjusted; 2) “Watch Out for the Other Guy” by driving defensively; 3) “Choose the Safest Possible Facilities” by driving on America’s toll roads, some of the safest road facilities throughout the world. 
# # #
About IBTTA
The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) is the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve tolling. Founded in 1932, IBTTA has members in more than 20 countries and on six continents. Through advocacy, thought leadership and education, members are implementing state-of-the-art, innovative user-based transportation financing solutions to address the critical infrastructure challenges of the 21st century. For more information, visit www.ibtta.org or join us on Twitter @IBTTA or #TollRoads.

No comments:

Post a Comment