Port advisory committee votes to evaluate toll vendor, seek audit and alternatives

The Port of Entry Advisory Committee voted to evaluate its toll-collection service provider and pursue an audit of the toll and permit systems used at the World Trade Bridge, committee members said at a regular meeting. The motion, which passed with no recorded opposition, calls for staff to review the existing contract, scope potential upgrades and consider issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) for alternative vendors. Why it matters: Committee members and trade stakeholders described recurring operational and technical limits in the current platform that they say disrupt commercial traffic and add cost. The vendor contract — described at the meeting as costing about $1,000,000 a year — is up for review later this year, and committee members said an audit is needed before the October renewal window. Committee staff told members TransCore is the current vendor and that the contract includes a three-year term with two optional extensions. "We pay 1,000,000 a year," a port staff member said during the discussion.…