November 29, 2004 2:00 AM, EST

Technology Briefs - Nov. 23 - Nov. 29

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The Latest Headlines:

Maine Turnpike to Convert to E-ZPass
California Utility Seeks Clean-Air Waiver

Maine Turnpike to Convert to E-ZPass

The Maine Turnpike on Feb. 1 is scheduled to convert to E-Z Pass, the electronic toll collection system used along much of the eastern seaboard, the Associated Press reported.

Also in February, a toll increase of 10 cents to 25 cents will go into effect for cars and trucks, AP said.

The Maine turnpike currently uses Transpass. Starting in February, the turnpike authority will close all Transpass accounts, refund deposits and balances and begin collecting the old devices, AP said.

E-ZPass is used in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Transport Topics

California Utility Seeks Clean-Air Waiver

The city’s Department of Water and Power said it was seeking an exemption from regional clean-air rules requiring the purchase of non-diesel alternative-fuel vehicles, the Associated Press reported.

The rules, enforced by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, require that utilities and other public fleets re-place diesel-powered trucks and equipment with vehicles using alternative fuels like compressed natural gas.

DWP officials said that diesel is more reliable and readily available, making it a better fuel choice for the agency charged with responding to power outages and other emergencies, according to AP.

South Coast officials said that CNG vehicles currently make up less than 1% of the DWP’s fleet of 1,000 heavy-duty vehicles, AP said. Transport Topics

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