![]() ![]() This is a multi-party patent infringement suit. For the reasons below, Artmatic's motion to modify the default judgments is denied and Maybelline's motion for summary judgment is denied. ("Maybelline") for summary judgment based on the collateral estoppel effect of the default judgments secured by Max Factor and Noxell. This multi-defendant action for patent infringement is before the Court on two motions: (1) a motion by plaintiffs Artmatic USA Cosmetics and Arthur Matney ("Artmatic") to modify the default judgment entered against them on Octoby eliminating a declaration of patent invalidity and (2) a motion by defendant Maybelline Co. Laura Weiss, Fenster & Weiss, New City, New York, for Defendant Pavion Ltd.Īllen Winston, Winston & Winston, Rye, New York, for Defendants Zalan. Snyder, Dinsmore & Shohl, Cincinnati, Ohio, for Defendants Noxell Corp. Susan Robertson, Kirchstein, Ottinger, Israel & Schiffmiller, P.C., New York City, for Dell Laboratories, Inc. Katz, Cooper & Dunham L.L.P., New York City, for Plaintiffs Artmatic USA Cosmetics and Arthur Matney. ![]() Hauser, Walter, Conston, Alexander & Green, P.C., New York City, for Defendant Maybelline Co. Delahunty, Brooks, Haidt, Haffner & Delahunty, New York City, for Defendants Noxell Corp. MAYBELLINE CO., a DIVISION OF SCHERING PLOUGH, INC., Paris Presents, Inc., a division of Allied of Chicago, Inc., Noxell Corporation, Bonne-Bell, Inc., Almay Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Revlon Corp., Max Factor, Coty Division of Pfizer Inc., Pavion Ltd., Cosmetics & Chemical Manufacturers, Inc., Cosmair, Inc., Chesebrough Ponds, Inc., Dell Laboratories, Inc., Estee Lauder, Inc., Posner Labs, Inc., and Zalan Products Inc., Defendants. ARTMATIC USA COSMETICS, a DIVISION OF the ARTHUR MATNEY CO., INC.
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![]() You might also find that some rooms of your home are always cold in winter. However, when you turn down the central source of heat in your home and use a space heater in only one or two rooms for limited times, like 6-8 hours at night, the cost is reasonable. If you run a space heater too many hours of the day, you’ll notice an increase in your electric bill. Heat from an electric space heater is expensive compared with natural gas heating cost or the cost of the electricity required to operate a heat pump. ![]() Does your space heater have a thermostat? If it does, and the heater shuts off periodically, your hourly costs won’t be as high as shown on the chart. *Based on US Average Electric Rates: 13.84 Cents per Kilowatt Hour Electric Space Heater Running Cost Chart: Heater Power Use our Cost to Run a Space Heater Calculator for the most precise costs. They might be higher or lower where you live. ![]() This chart gives costs based on the US Average for electric rates at this writing. How much does a 1500W space heater cost to run? 750W? 1,000W? How Much Does a 1500W Space Heater Cost to Run – and Smaller / Larger? The results are given in Cost per Hour, and the numbers are also provided for running the heater 8 hours a day and the cost per month. ![]() The Pick HVAC Space Heater Cost Calculator gives you an instant answer to the question – how much does it cost to run a space heater? Note: If you check your energy cost on your bill and it is different from our list, you can “override” our information and input your precise electricity cost for your area. Select it, and our Space Heater Cost Calculator will automatically input the current average cost of electricity where you live into the Electric Rates by State box. Select the Your State box, and scroll down to find your state. See the Suggestions section below for tips on efficient heating. If you’re running a space heater more than 10 hours a day, then you should consider alternate ways to increase heat in the space as soon as possible. How often and for how long do you use your space heater? Consider the average. The wattage should be listed on the heater itself too. If you’re considering buying a space heater, then the watts used should be listed in the marketing information online or on the box. How much electricity does my space heater use? That common question can usually be answered by reading the information on the heater. But you will find larger space heaters using up to 3,000 watts or more, but they are rare and quite a bit more expensive. Some also have a “low” setting of 750 watts. How much electricity does your space heater use? Almost all residential space heaters have a “ high” setting of 1,500 watts. ![]() Interviewer: Stacy is a business performance strategist. – Visit Stacy’s Resources – Must-Have Resources. ![]()
orca will be split into a number of different species or at least subspecies over the next few years." Although large variation in the ecological distinctiveness of different orca groups complicate simple differentiation into types, research off the west coast of North America has identified fish-eating "residents", mammal-eating "transients" and "offshores". The IUCN reported in 2008, "The taxonomy of this genus is clearly in need of review, and it is likely that O. The three to five types of orcas may be distinct enough to be considered different races, subspecies, or possibly even species (see Species problem). Typesįurther information: Orca types and populations In contrast, a 2019 phylogenetic study found the orca to be the second most basal member of the Delphinidae, with only the Atlantic white-sided dolphin ( Leucopleurus acutus) being more basal. However, a more recent (2018) study places the orca as a sister taxon to the Lissodelphininae, a clade that includes Lagenorhynchus and Cephalorhynchus. Although it has morphological similarities with the false killer whale, the pygmy killer whale and the pilot whales, a study of cytochrome b gene sequences indicates that its closest extant relatives are the snubfin dolphins of the genus Orcaella. The orca lineage probably branched off shortly thereafter. The orca is one of 35 species in the oceanic dolphin family, which first appeared about 11 million years ago. Konrad Gessner wrote the first scientific description of an orca in his Piscium & aquatilium animantium natura of 1558, part of the larger Historia animalium, based on examination of a dead stranded animal in the Bay of Greifswald that had attracted a great deal of local interest. Orcinus orca is the only recognized extant species in the genus Orcinus, and one of many animal species originally described by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. This meaning of "grampus" should not be confused with the genus Grampus, whose only member is Risso's dolphin. "Grampus" is a former name for the species, but is now seldom used. They are sometimes referred to as "blackfish", a name also used for other whale species. As part of the family Delphinidae, the species is more closely related to other oceanic dolphins than to other whales. This word referred (among other things) to a whale species, perhaps a narwhal. orcae) for these animals, possibly borrowing Ancient Greek ὄρυξ ( óryx). The genus name Orcinus means "of the kingdom of the dead", or "belonging to Orcus". Since the 1960s, the use of "orca" instead of "killer whale" has steadily grown in common use. Orcas are commonly referred to as "killer whales", despite being a type of dolphin. Orcas feature strongly in the mythologies of indigenous cultures, and their reputation in different cultures ranges from being the souls of humans to merciless killers. There have been cases of captive orcas killing or injuring their handlers at marine theme parks. Wild orcas are not considered a threat to humans, and no fatal attack on humans has ever been documented. In late 2005, the southern resident orcas, which swim in British Columbia and Washington waters, were placed on the U.S. Some local populations are considered threatened or endangered due to prey depletion, habitat loss, pollution (by PCBs), capture for marine mammal parks, and conflicts with human fisheries. ![]() The International Union for Conservation of Nature assesses the orca's conservation status as data deficient because of the likelihood that two or more orca types are separate species. Their sophisticated hunting techniques and vocal behaviours, which are often specific to a particular group and passed across generations, have been described as manifestations of animal culture. They are highly social some populations are composed of very stable matrilineal family groups (pods) which are the most stable of any animal species. ![]() Orcas are apex predators, as they have no natural predators. They have been known to attack baleen whale calves, and even adult whales. ![]() Some feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and other species of dolphin. Orcas have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. A cosmopolitan species, orcas can be found in all of the world's oceans in a variety of marine environments, from Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas. It is the only extant species in the genus Orcinus and is recognizable by its black-and-white patterned body. The orca ( Orcinus orca), also called the killer whale, is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. ![]() It doesn't try to tell a story and doesn't force you into poorly conceived vehicle sequences or drawn-out platforming sections, so it doesn't share the story mode's identity crisis. It's a traditional approach to online first-person shooting filled with chaotic action, jet packs, jump pads and goofy weaponry like freeze rays, shrink guns and trip mines so you'll never feel safe. Online play is characterized by fast, frequent kills and success is largely determined by your ability to memorize map layout and weapon spawn points. Play Once the story's done, you can drop into the online modes like deathmatch, team deathmatch, capture the flag (or, more accurately, capture the babe), and king of the hill. These 'Duke-like' actions extend the length of his Ego (health) bar, adding concrete incentive to explore and discover more ways for Duke to express his boundless self-satisfaction. These are meant as distractions, but along with his ability to interact with a handful of other random objects, they're distractions with a point. In a strip club stage that's crudely deployed as a dream sequence Duke can play air hockey, a version of whack-a-mole, and a simple pinball game. There are throwback moments in Duke Nukem Forever to his early days when keeping a finger off the trigger earns rewards. It might be different if Duke approached a puzzle section, laughed, lobbed some curse words at it and moved on, but since we're forced to solve the puzzles to continue it's not tongue-in-cheek satire, unless the joke is on us. In most cases, the sections in Duke Nukem Forever that connect the shooting are dull, derivative experiences that feel like they exist for no other reason than to bloat the story mode, and it isn't clear if they're meant to parody video game filler content. Then there are the Half-Life 2-style physics puzzles where you'll need to remove barrels to lighten minecarts or add barrels to shift the positions of platforms that do nothing but waste gameplay space, forcing us to relive poor imitations of 2004's highlights. It's creative in concept to have Duke bounding over hamburger buns to cross a hot cooking surface, but the actual mechanics are as dull and straightforward as possible. But when Duke shrinks to miniature size and drives toy cars over jumps and hops across shelves over an electrified kitchen floor, Duke Nukem Forever loses all its entertainment value. I understand that games like this need to slow down from time to time in order to space out encounters. Turret sequences are too often used as a crutch to break up on-foot fights, but they're a welcome alternative to the frequent first-person platforming segments that make up an unnecessarily large percentage of the story mode. Duke Nukem Forever takes cues from games post-Duke Nukem 3D and clumsily straddles over a decade of genre growth. Play What falters is just about everything else. It's all straightforward, classically-styled kill-factory sequences that let you turn off your brain and revel in the primal glory of the aim-and-shoot gameplay loop. The multitude of stage bosses are enormous and some of the action set pieces exciting. The shrink and freeze rays are toys, adding some humor value as Duke stomps on miniaturized aliens or executes their frozen bodies. ![]() The real star of the show is the shotgun, which unlike the other weapons that lack a sense of power, can obliterate enemies at close range, sending them arcing off in the distance after a well-placed burst of lead. Charging humanoid pigs and zig-zagging jetpack aliens spawn in battle zones and Duke gets to pulverize them with shrink rays, freeze guns, shotguns and his fists. To the game's credit, Duke Nukem Forever's shooting sections are simple fun. Duke is one of the elder heroes of gaming, and could say whatever he wanted with legitimacy if there was a first-class shooter experience backing him up. Instead of playing with the idea of Duke as an anachronism, Duke returns in classic form, and he's never felt so old, so out of place, and so embarrassing. ![]() It's disappointing that during Duke Nukem Forever's preposterously protracted development, nobody took advantage of the immense opportunity to do something thematically creative. He's unapologetically vulgar, which is good for a few nostalgic laughs as he again kills aliens to save the world. Play Duke still has the maturity of a twelve year old boy, objectifying women whenever possible, and barking out movie quotes with voice actor Jon St. The Federal Association has its office in Detmold. The Federal Association: Primary responsible Its fundamental concept of being a place for the peaceful encounter of young people from all over the world is as up to date as ever. Gopalpur-on-Sea, Ganjam, Orissa was the next Youth Hostel, built by YHAI in 1961.YHAI initiated conducting the adventure activity programs on the National Level in 1970, with the Solang Nallah Trek in Manali, Himachal Pradesh.The German Youth Hostel Association – Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk in German, or DJH for short - is a one-of-a-kind organisation. He Plan for constructing youth hostels by YHAI was taken up and the first Youth Hostel built with its own resources on a donated piece of land, was a small 35-bed youth hostel at Jagjit Nagar near Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India.An international camp of volunteers helped to construct its foundation. John Bourke, the first Vice President- IYHF.Since then, the Training Centre has been approved by IYHF for training of the international participants A Training Centre equipped with audiovisual aids and a Recreation Centre with indoor games and library facilities was inaugurated in 1992, by Mr. On 5th Oct., 1970, National Youth Hostel Trust was created through a Resolution passed by the National Council of YHAI, a day earlier.As a result, a 120-bed Youth Hostel complex in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, inaugurated by the former President of India, Shri Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy. Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India. The first National Conference of the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) was held in 1956 in Delhi which marked the establishment of the movement on a National level, that received encouragement and appreciation from Late Pt. In 1949, some enthusiasts in Mysore set up a Committee to promote the movement in India.Three years later the Indian Association received the Associate membership of the International Youth Hostel Federation. The idea was introduced in the early forties by the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides of India, Punjab Circle, after that the first Youth Hostel was formally opened at Tara Devi near Shimla on June 9’ 1945, inaugurated by Sir Bertrand Glancy, Chief Scout and Governor of the Punjab. The Youth Hostel Movement had found its way into India before the partition of the country in 1947. With this, the YH Movement gained momentum and more Youth Hostels were established in Europe with hygienic and sanitary conditions In India ![]() The inauguration of the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) was an outcome of the first International Youth Hostel Federation Conference held in Amsterdam in 1932. The Youth Hostel movement started growing up and as a consequence, the Youth Hostels Association was formed in Germany in 1919. Richard Schirrmann, the founder of the Youth Hostel Movement.He set up the first Youth Hostel in 1912 in Altenia, Germany, in his own school building so as to provide convenient accommodation to students involved in hiking activities. The Youth Hostel Movement is the brainchild of an eminent German school teacher, Mr. History of the Hostelling Movement Worldwide To become a centre of safe, affordable and clean accommodation for young people during their travel, to enourage youth travelling in India and education & understanding through personal experience. Our mission is to enable and promote travel,tourism, adventure spirit,national integration and Education & Health by providing hostels of good standards to millions of youth of limited means during their travel at affordable rates on a sustainable basis and by organizing adventure and educational events and to develop understanding among youth about social & development issues. ![]() For a better quality of random numbers consider to generate the key on a “real” PC. Do not enter a challenge password at the end of the creation process otherwise lighttpd will prompt at each start for mkdir -p /etc/lighttpd/sslĬreate Key and Signing request. If you want to use your own key and signing request:Ĭreate your server key and csr by openssl. Also the Python Package Index must be bash letsencrypt-auto -v Do not use the standard shell on Debian 8 based systems. Install additional packages needed by letsencrypt create the virtual environment. Start the webserver and see if its # lighty-enable-mod # systemctl enable # systemctl start # journalctl -xnĬreate the certificates. You can add the DNS Server either in the Network section of the NIC adapter config (see above) or in /etc/systemd/nfĬreate a mv /etc/nf ln -sf /run/systemd/resolve/nf /etc/nf Maybe you want enable dhcpĪnd enable systemd-networkd and systemctl enable systemctl enable rviceĭefine DNS Server. Create a file /etc/systemd/network/work, Name it as you want. Disable old (init) config style by saving /etc/network/interfaces and creating an empty mv /etc/network/interfaces touch /etc/network/interfaces Set the hostname respectily full qualified domain hostnamectl set-hostname Ĭonfigure a static IP Address. Do not start graphical desktop, just boot in text systemctl systemctl set-default -f multi-user.target Install required apt-get -y install php5 php5-common php5-gd php-xml-parser php5-intl php5-json apt-get -y install php5-sqlite php5-mysql php5-pgsql smbclient php5-curl curl libcurl3 apt-get -y install lighttpd apt-get -y remove apache2 apache2-bin apache2-data libaprutil1-dbd-sqlite3 libaprutil1-ldap apt-get -y install apt-get -y install git bashįor Raspbian Users. If you want to setup the cloud by ssh and you want to login with root an password authentification set “PermitRootLogin” to “yes” in /etc/ssh/sshd_config.ĭon’t forget to set it back to “without-password” after finishing. On raspbian login as user pi change to ~ $ sudo su. ![]() ![]() This Tuturial describes the steps to setup owncloud on top of debian/raspian with lighttpd as webserver and https encryption with certificates sign by Let’s encrypt campain. ![]() This recipe is easily made vegan or gluten-free, making it a safe option for all of your friend’s dietary restrictions. Muffins are comforting (necessary when far from home) and can easily be stored for travel. Peanut Butter Muffins with Chia Seeds and Chocolateįor quick and cozy breakfast, we recommend a solid muffin recipe. (And you’re more than welcome to get crazy with the seasoning.) ![]() These flavorful little bites can be made in advance, and then stored for a satisfying, on-the-road snack. With the gas station protein selection limited to things like hard-boiled eggs and beef jerky, it can be hard to get some filling food without stopping for a sit-down meal. The cheesy kale flavor is an added bonus, and makes you feel like you’re getting your daily dose of greens. It will also give you that salty fix without added bloat, which can be super annoying when you’re sitting in the car for a few hours. You can pop a huge batch and keep it in a large tupperware container or mason jar, and it’s easy to eat while driving. (You can wash them in gas stations, by the campfire, or at hotels.) Also be sure to have your thermos and water bottle for when you discovery that small town café.įlavorful, simple, and easy-to-eat, popcorn is an all-star choice for road trip eats. Plan ahead by packing things in a mason jar or tupperware container, and keep reusable utensils on hand. When on the road, it can be hard to remember to recycle and limit your single-use products. Having a diverse selection of food not only allows you to get as many nutrients as possible, but also keeps your on-the-road menu from getting too monotonous. While you may love those protein bars now, eat them everyday and you’ll find yourself getting sick over the idea of keeping them around. It’s easy to suffer from food burnout if you spend too much time eating the exact same thing. ![]() Keeping things organized provides peace of mind, and allows you to prevent unnecessary stress from digging through piles to look for your pack of almonds. Nothing is worse than having your car suffer from an explosion of crumbs and wrappers. Many grocery stores offer these staples, and so you can constantly stock up when on the road. If you’re short on time but craving something fresh, you can use a cooler to store any fresh fruits or veggies, juices, and salads. There will come many times when you’ll be relieved to have one. To keep your heart and tummy satisfied, we’ve assembled some eating-on-the road advice, as well as some of our favorite road trip treats to keep your journey fun, delicious, and carefree. It can become too easy to rely on gas stations and fast food joints to supply your road trip fuel, but let’s be honest: you want something a little more nourishing. We’re thinking good friends, good music, and good snacks. It’s important to prepare as much as possible, which means stocking up on essentials. Road trips aren’t just about getting there they exist to inspire deep conversations, encourage the discovery of exciting landmarks, and allow for the exploration new places. Regardless of your destination, it’s important to savor the journey. There’s something so exhilarating about hitting the open highway, whether you’re heading to a summer festival or a secluded mountain cabin. If you’re anything like us, you’re counting down the days until your next road trip. Pairing trail mix with lower calorie fresh fruits or vegetables is one way to balance its calorie density.Want more ideas for healthy foods and nourishing recipes? Check out the Wanderlust Find Your True Fork cookbook, available now for pre-order. That said, trail mix also works as a meal replacement when other food choices are limited. Keep this in mind if you are sitting for hours on end. Note that even without added candy, trail mix is high in calories and best meant for - you guessed it - the trail. Toss in unsweetened dried coconut, cacao nibs, dark chocolate chips, or spices for extra flavor and crunch. Start with raw or roasted nuts and seeds, then add your favorite unsweetened dried fruits. Look for a variety with nuts, seeds, and unsweetened dried fruit - and steer clear of those that contain candies, candied nuts, and sugared fruits. What’s more, you can buy nutritious, low sugar versions at most rest stops and gas stations. It doesn’t require refrigeration, is easy to eat, and provides ample protein, healthy fats, and fiber to fuel you on those extra long road trips. Trail mix is a go-to snack for road trips - and for good reason. For image quality, the ART image file is quite similar to its JPEG equivalent. However, the format can be used with special software that can analyze the image file and subsequently determine the best compression technique that will ensure the retention of image quality. During file size reduction, the image quality may be significantly reduced. How to convert Bernina Artista Embroidery Format (ART) to JPEG Image (JPG) while maintaining the logical and structural content of the information. AOL developed the image format to speed up the average download time of images and web pages containing ART images. The upload size has been limited to 100 MB per image for now. □ ART files comprise a single, highly compressed image. JPG Converter This free online image converter converts from more than 120 image formats. To view, modify, or save ART files, open the source code files with an AOL client software, and 'Save As' more common and compatible file formats. ![]() 3 Download Your JPG Let the conversion process finish, then download your JPG picture. ![]() 2 Select ART Tools Use any available ART to JPG tools on the preview page and click Convert. The output files will be listed in the 'Conversion. How to convert ART to JPG 1 Upload ART File Select a ART picture from your computer, or drag & drop it on the page. Right click on one or more Art file(s) on your desktop and select Convert with Filestar. Click the 'Convert Now' button to start batch conversion. Convert Art To Jpg Download and install the latest version of Filestar. Click the Convert to JPG button to start the conversion. ![]() Therefore, it is not surprising that viewing many images and graphics editing programs do not support the ART file format. You can convert all kinds of documents and images to PDF files or convert PDF files to DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX, XML, CSV, ODT, ODS, ODP, HTML, TXT, RTF, SWF, PNG, JPG, TIFF, BMP, PCX, PNM and PSD. How to Convert ART to JPG Click the Choose Files button to select your ART files. When you convert the AI file to a JPG file, it rasterizes and that is the reason you will notice a pixelated image in Photoshop when zoomed in at 200. An image file format was initially developed by the Johnson-Grace company, which was later acquired by AOL ART format is the proprietary format used exclusively for all bitmap images available on the AOL franchise of services. If you use vectorized output files for commercial purposes, please purchase credits. □ ART files are most commonly associated with America Online (AOL). Convert your images (jpeg, jpg or png) into scalable and clear vector art (svg) Home Uploads Examples Pricing Upload. ![]() Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Toll road Interstate 376 E-ZPass, no left turn sign, text, rectangle png 768圆00px 140.99KB.GCSE Maths Is Easy Brand Mathematics Logo General Certificate of Secondary Education, take a pass, text, logo png 640x480px 66.1KB.E-ZPass Indiana Toll Road I-Pass New Jersey Turnpike, road, purple, angle png 1280x241px 35.57KB.E-ZPass iZoom Screen Magnifier-Reader USB iZoom Screen Magnifier-Reader CD VERSION Magnification, Computer Screen Magnifier, computer, magnifier png 532x700px 524.48KB.Interstate 185 Toll road Greenville South Carolina Highway 185, interstate, text, logo png 1400x753px 553.32KB.Pennsylvania Turnpike E-ZPass I-Pass Toll road Map, Click Fraud, purple, violet png 800圆62px 108.12KB.Flykube Hotel Flight 4 star Smiley, hotel, smiley, flight png 512x512px 23.19KB.E-ZPass Google Play Android, android, purple, violet png 512x512px 12.79KB.Tray Inlay Decorative arts Rectangle Bone, serving tray, rectangle, floral png 2255x1386px 1.74MB.Venture capital Computer Icons Black Pearls VC Toll road Information, angle, text png 512x512px 8.85KB.New York City New York State Thruway Toll road Interstate 90 US Interstate highway system, road map, united States, highway png 1200x883px 216.68KB.North Texas Tollway Authority Toll road E-ZPass I-Pass, toll booth, texas, electronic Device png 2028x1581px 2.4MB.Mascot Product Library Tagged Toothbrush, corporate mascot characters, face, cartoon png 3144x3816px 6.84MB.Toll road Computer Icons Toll house Highway, Tunnel, blue, angle png 1600x1600px 22.85KB.The new system will improve customer communications and provide enhanced functionality with the E-ZPass system, as well as lay the groundwork for future electronic tolling technologies, officials said. Selection of a vendor is expected this year, officials said. Tollway officials expect processing expenses to become more efficient when the toll authority upgrades its electronic toll-collection system, with a goal to do so by 2015. Although revenues generated from the 3-cent transaction fees are about $750,000 per year, the actual cost to the Illinois Tollway to process the fees is about 6 cents per transaction, or $1.5 million annually, Abrams said. She pointed out that the full amount of the 3-cent transaction fee charged to I-Pass customers on the skyway and the Indiana Toll Road is remitted to the Illinois Tollway.īut Abrams said the Illinois Tollway "eats part of the cost" of processing toll transactions on the two toll roads. The I-Pass/E-ZPass transaction fees were "an unforeseen cost that were not factored into the leasing of the roads," she said. "While other toll roads may be able to adjust their tolls, the rates on the skyway and the Indiana Toll Road are restricted by the contracts," said the company's spokeswoman, who asked not to be identified by name. However, they have chosen instead to pass these costs on to their customers."Ī spokeswoman for the Indiana Toll Road Concession Company said it's not as simple as absorbing the costs. She said the Indiana Toll Road Concession Company "could decide to pay these customer service expenses as a cost of doing business and simply take less profit. "Most toll agencies around the nation, including the Illinois Tollway, absorb these customer service costs and factor them into the tolls they charge," Abrams said. The company initiated the 3-cent charge to cover the transaction fee the Illinois Tollway imposes for the costs of providing the company with services related to transponders, customer account maintenance and the customer call center, tollway officials said. The transaction fees are collected "to help offset certain costs associated with interoperability of the E-ZPass network," according to the Indiana Toll Road Concession Company, which is the private company that under long-term lease agreements operates the Indiana Toll Road for the state of Indiana and the skyway for the city of Chicago. The extra 3 cents that I-Pass customers pay on the two toll roads account for why drivers who scan their monthly I-Pass statements online may have noticed what appear to be odd charges, like $4.03 instead of $4 for driving on the skyway, and 53 cents instead of a 50-cent toll at various locations on the Indiana Toll Road. "Illinois, in effect, provides a large portion of the customer service costs" for the private company that operates the skyway and the Indiana Toll Road, Abrams said. |