KSHB 41 Traffic anchor/reporter Daniela Leon covers all sorts of transportation topics across Kansas City. Have a story idea to share or a question about something in your neighborhood? Send Daniela a news tip.
Changes are coming this summer to Kansas roadways as the state shifts toward cashless tolling.
Come June 30, during the overnight hours, toll booths along Interstate 70 and other major Kansas highways will shut down.
According to the Kansas Turnpike Authority, which manages toll operations, this change will be a major game-changer for drivers when it comes to traffic flow since they no longer have to stop and pay.
"Anytime you have something physically stopping a customer, like a toll plaza, it just creates less of a safe environment, so we're excited to be able to offer a safer experience and more convenient experience to our customers," said Rachel Bell, director of business services and customer relations for Kansas Turnpike Authority.
Bell estimates three to five toll collectors will be impacted by cashless tolling. However, the department has been working with impacted toll collectors and training them on different customer service roles within the department to retain the majority of impacted employees.
"We have just a handful of full-time employees left, and we've been working with toll collectors for about eight years to either retrain them and move them into other positions," Bell explained.
Here's a breakdown of what drivers can expect:
If you already have a KTAG, also known as a transponder, you won't see many changes — just a potential to your billing cycle.
If you don't have a KTAG, you will be identified by your license plate and will be sent a bill through U.S. mail.
Toll travel can also be managed through a new system called Drive KS.
Kansas Turnpike estimates 70% of drivers already use a KTAG, which will save 50% on tolls once cashless tolling goes into effect.
—
