Website glitch blamed for the overcharging of 1,600 E-ZPass users

Gov. Northam is promising Virginians he will address the problem many are having with E-ZPass - the fact that their transponders can get downgraded or cost more when they aren't used in just six months' time. (WTOP/Hank Silverberg)

WASHINGTON — Hundreds of E-ZPass customers who tried to add money to their accounts online ended up being overcharged because of a technical glitch.

In all, 1,600 customers were affected.

When customers tried to add money online, the transactions were apparently rejected and the E-ZPass accounts were not credited, according to Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Shannon Marshall. Yet when customers checked their bank accounts, they found they were still being charged.

Some customers tried repeatedly to add value to their E-ZPasses. One couple told WRIC-TV in Richmond that they were charged almost $2,000.

The problem was a website glitch, Marshall said. “The website became severely degraded,” she said.

Refunds were issued for all 1,600 affected, Marshall added.

If you are still having an account issue, contact E-ZPass customer service.

Kyle Cooper

Weekend and fill-in anchor Kyle Cooper has been with WTOP since 1992. Over those 25 years, Kyle has worked as a street reporter, editor and anchor. Prior to WTOP, Kyle worked at several radio stations in Indiana and at the Indianapolis Star Newspaper.

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