NYC driver believed he was on top of toll payments for more than10 years — then an MTA email upended his life
There is a certain trust we place in systems designed to automatically handle our tax payments, especially when we follow every step carefully. Staying on top of accounts and paying all dues on time should protect us from sudden surprises waiting down the line, right? That belief, however, doesn't always hold up. CBS New York reported on March 17, 2026, that one New York City driver, Luis Corporan, relied on E-ZPass while keeping track of his toll payments over time. However, he was soon in for a big surprise, which he never anticipated.
Corporon is one of those New York drivers who rely on automated electric troll system like E-ZPass to be on top of the tax game. In addition to that, Corporon still monitored his account. Despite all that effort, his vehicle registration was suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles over unpaid toll-related charges. The MTA has even claimed that he owed them a staggering amount of $14,034.71 in combined tolls and fees. For people whose livelihood depends on being on the road, situations like these are nothing short of panic-inducing.
His vehicle has been suspended since February 9, 2026, leaving him without his only income source. "I have four girls, and this is how I support them," said the New York driver to CBS's investigative reporter Mahsa Saeidi. He even pointed out several issues that he believes other drivers should also be aware of because this can happen to them as well. For example, he cannot explain why his E-ZPass transponder only appears to work at some tolls and not others.
Most concerning to him is the breakdown of fees. While he is charged $2,134.71 in toll, the fees came to a whopping $11,900, which is a five times increase. New York CBS had also reached out to the MTA but only received one statement from a spokesperson: "People who pay their tolls don't pay fines." However, the public and Corporan himself doubt it's an isolated case of one driver.
Luis's story has forced many to ask a very important question. Are the MTA fees justified? According to accounts, drivers do not have an issue with the toll amount. MTA has said charging fees is legal. However, Assembly Member Mike Reilly had also added his two cents on the matter. "Even though something is legal doesn't necessarily mean it's the right thing to do," he said. He concluded by saying that it just means there hasn't been legislation that establishes a limit to how much MTA can charge. Hence, providing hope to many drivers who are either facing or fear facing this issue.
More on Amplify
Insurance company tried to blame his wife for another driver’s mistake — he turned the tables