Based on engineering estimates by MARK IV, the technology provider for E-ZPass and PrePass, during 2007 E-ZPass alone reduced fuel consumption by almost 30 million gallons, the equivalent of nearly 265,000 metric tons of related emissions or the greenhouse gas emissions of about 14,000 U.S. households.
By reducing unnecessary idling and saving drivers time, fuel and money, PrePass and E-ZPass technologies yield a cleaner and greener environment, says Richard Landis, president and chief executive officer of HELP Inc., the public-private partnership that offers PrePass and PrePass Plus, which enables PrePass users single billing for E-ZPass.
“The savings will continue to grow as more trucks, PrePass-equipped weigh stations and toll facilities adopt time- and fuel-saving technologies,” Landis says.
PrePass enables qualified motor carriers to comply electronically with state-established weight, safety and credential requirements at highway speeds. By avoiding weigh station stops and idling in queues, motor carriers reduce fuel consumption and the associated pollutants.
PrePass will electronically process more than 57 million weigh station events this year, saving carriers at least 11.4 million gallons of fuel, the company says. Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency engine idle reduction and household emissions estimates, PrePass will reduce emissions by at least 115,000 metric tons, the equivalent of emissions from more than 6,000 U.S. households.
By reducing congestion in and around weigh facilities and tolling centers, PrePass and E-ZPass also improve highway safety, the company says; PrePass enables enforcement personnel to concentrate on those trucks most likely to be noncompliant, while E-ZPass reduces lane changing and congestion around toll plazas.
