Two days before The Crazy Man and his girlfriend are set to take a trip to Atlantic City for a few days, he tells me he has lost his EZ Pass transponder. Just so you know what I am dealing with, this is the 3rd one in a year's time. I called EZ Pass and ask for a replacement transponder to be sent to his house. I tell the Crazy Man I am also going to report the one he can't find as lost. My fear is that someone will find it and be able to use it. The Crazy Man agrees.
As a side note, The Crazy Man and the girlfriend stay at the Showboat Casino. He even reports back to me the room is better than he expected. However, upon initially stepping foot into his hotel room, he notices the television is an old style tube tv. He calls down to the front desk and for the next 15 minutes discusses with them how he doesn't like the older style televisions and wants a flat screen. Somehow Showboat complies and switches out his tv. The Crazy Man is super excited about getting his way and can't wait to tell me this story upon my first day back working for him. (WHO DOES THAT!?!?!?? Seriously!! This is the most absurd thing I've ever heard. If the tv didn't work, I get it. But the tv worked. And are you really staying in a hotel to watch the tv anyway?!?! He was only going to be there for 2 nights, which by the way turned into staying for a 3rd night).
Anyway, The Crazy Man comes back to town and asks me to find out how much the tolls are up and back to Atlantic City. Here is our conversation:
Me: Ok, I can look at the Ez Pass website and add up the transactions from when you went through the toll booths. Oh wait, you didn't have the Ez Pass to use for your trip. The replacement one wouldn't have made it to you in time.
The Crazy Man: No, I did use an Ez Pass. I found the one I thought was lost. I used that one.
Me: WHAT? Crazy Man, that was reported as lost/stolen. IT WAS TURNED OFF!!! You basically went through each toll and never paid.
The Crazy Man: Oh no! You need to call Ez Pass and let them know. I need to pay for those tolls. I don't want to get fined.
Me: Fine. I will call. (UGH!!!).
I come to find out that each state handles toll violations separately. Meaning, I need to call VA, MD, DE, and NJ and speak to each state about what happens when you don't pay the toll. And get this, because The Crazy Man was driving his girlfriend's car, he has no idea what the license plate is. So I am asking for information about a car I can't even describe for them to look up. Lovely!
A few days later once I get the license plate info, I start making the calls. I speak to each state and am given the same advice. Wait until the violation notice comes in the mail and then appeal it. It could take up to 6 weeks before all the footage is viewed and the toll violators are sent notices. And because it was in the girlfriend's car, all the toll violation notices are going to go to her house. Have I mentioned she is not a very pleasant person? I am sure when The Crazy Man explained to her what happened and to be on the lookout for 4 states to fine her (up and back!), she was ready to kick him to the curb. Each appeal I am supposed to say that The Crazy Man is a retired gentleman on a fixed income who just had cataract surgery. He used the wrong transponder by accident and didn't realize it wasn't activated. He would like to pay the toll, but not the additional fine.
We've already gotten in a notice from Delaware. Another one came from New Jersey, but I haven't seen it yet. You see I have to rely on The Crazy Man to bring it back from the girlfriend's house and hand it to me. This could take awhile. In fact, this whole toll violation process could very well take all Summer long.
For those who are wondering, The Crazy Man is now working two transponders. I got the one that was reported lost and found again reactivated. And he has the new replacement transponder activated too. I should not have to call EZ Pass for another transponder for at least 6 months now.
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