Border bridge operator unveils ExpressPass for trucks, buses

LEWISTON, NY – The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission (NFBC) has unveiled the new ExpressPass for trucks crossing the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.

The pass, described as the first commercial automatic crossing pass of its kind on a Canada-U.S. border bridge, is expected to help reduce wait times for all motorists.

The NFBC operates three of the four Niagara River bridges between Western New York and Southern Ontario. Its new ExpressPass program is expected to serve 270 trucking companies using some 15,000 individual trucks and tractor-trailers that pay the one-way toll into Canada at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.

The pass also works  for tour buses crossing the Rainbow Bridge, which does not handle trucks, or at Queenston. The NFBC’s third bridge, the Whirlpool Bridge, is NEXUS only.

 “The new commercial ExpressPass is the fastest way through the toll booths and will help commercial vehicles operate more efficiently by reducing the time they spend crossing these bridges,” said Lew Holloway, NFBC general manager. “When commercial trucks spend less time in line and paying tolls, it saves them time, fuel and money, while reducing overall congestion for everyone else as well.”

The ExpressPass for commercial vehicles utilizes two fully automated, unmanned toll booths. The driver pulls up to a booth and flashes the ExpressPass card – essentially a debit card – at the designated sensor. The system then deducts the appropriate amount of money from a pre-deposited account maintained by enrolled truckers, counts the pre-registered number of axles on the truck, and up- or down-charges for more or fewer axles as needed, to ensure a speedy, fair and accurate transaction. There is a web-based account management system that allows companies to manage their commercial account online.

 “This is essentially a VIP line for truckers. We created the commercial ExpressPass system in-house and it is the first of its kind to be used on the northern border,” said Victor Montalbo, NFBC manager of administration and finance. “The response we received from those who helped us during the testing and pilot phase has been overwhelmingly positive because this system will help them better meet their budgetary needs and shipping deadlines.”

The program was first tested for several months with Cassens Transport, a Lewiston, NY-based car transporter, said Kathy Majka, Cassens Transport supervisor.

 “We have had nothing but positive feedback from our Canadian and U.S. drivers,” she said. “This new program is a boost for productivity and has greatly reduced our drivers’ down time waiting to cross the border. Definitely a win/win situation for all involved.”

One of the truckers involved in the pass’s use is Dave Bansmer, a driver for Cassens.

 “The card works great. You put it out the window, you don’t stop, the gate goes up and you just keep going. You’re not sitting in line and it speeds your time getting through,” said Bansmer. “Before ExpressPass there were times that I had to wait 10 minutes to cross the bridge. Now I get through quickly and I’m on my way.”