Need E-ZPass?
Try Forestburgh

Story by Dan Hust
FORESTBURGH — June 11, 2013 —Yesterday, the Town of Forestburgh became the first township in New York State to offer E-ZPass tags for sale.
How’d that happen?
“I guess I just moved quicker than anyone else,” laughed Town Clerk Joanne Nagoda.
She jumped at the chance offered by the NYS Thruway Authority during this year’s town clerks conference in Buffalo.
Nagoda secured town board approval and made application to the state, which announced yesterday that Forestburgh was indeed #1 – despite the fact that the Thruway doesn’t run through any part of the rural township.
But it passes by close enough that Nagoda figures Forestburgh has a moneymaking opportunity.
“We make $5 on every tag that we sell,” she explained.
Each tag retails for $25 and becomes active immediately upon purchase. The first $15 is available for toll usage, while the remaining $10 becomes available once the tag is registered.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison Jr. says this is the next step in a major expansion of E-ZPass retail locations, including in grocery and convenience stores, gas stations and county clerk offices.
Nagoda says the neighboring townships of Lumberland and Deerpark will soon offer E-ZPass services as well, and she expects town clerks statewide to follow suit.
After all, E-ZPass can be used not just on the Thruway but toll roads and bridges throughout New York and in 14 other states, including all of New York’s neighboring states – typically saving users five percent or more off the cash toll amount.
Customers are welcome at the Forestburgh Town Hall at 332 King Road (just off Route 42) in Forestburgh between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or by appointment anytime. In addition to buying new tags, they can add more tags (up to four per account).
The only things Nagoda can’t provide are commercial vehicle tags and technical support, for which there’s a website (ezpassny.com) and a phone number (1-800-333-8655).
“I’m all for picking up whatever services I can offer,” Nagoda affirmed, noting that $5 covers her time and effort “easily.”