Assemblyman Rob Walker (R,C-Hicksville) notified constituents that state budget bills passed by the state Legislature on Thursday contains provisions prohibiting the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) from imposing a $1 surcharge on E-ZPass subscribers.

"From the first day this surcharge appeared on bills, I've received too many complaints to count from E-ZPass subscribers," said Walker. "I have sponsored legislation that would have removed the surcharge. I am glad the proposed budget prohibits the MTA from continuing the additional charge on customers."

The monthly account service fee implemented on July 1, 2005 was justified by MTA officials on the grounds other E-ZPass agencies levy a surcharge on their customers and use the revenue to help pay for administration of all E-ZPass accounts.

"The MTA must stop levying the surcharge by June 1 this year," noted Walker.