The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has accumulated $350 million in unpaid tolls over the past year, according to officials who are now pursuing stricter enforcement measures against drivers who have not paid.

The substantial sum emerged following the MTA's adoption of a cashless toll collection system, which eliminated traditional toll booths in favor of electronic monitoring and billing. Under this system, drivers without E-ZPass transponders receive bills by mail based on license plate readings.

MTA officials have indicated they plan to implement tougher measures to collect outstanding debts from what they term "deadbeat drivers." The authority has not specified the exact enforcement mechanisms it will employ, but the significant accumulation of unpaid tolls represents a notable financial challenge for the transit agency.

The cashless system was designed to improve traffic flow and reduce operational costs by eliminating the need for staffed toll collection points. However, the substantial amount of uncollected revenue suggests challenges in the transition to the new payment model.

The $350 million figure represents a significant portion of toll revenue for the MTA, which operates bridges, tunnels, and transit systems throughout the New York metropolitan area. Officials have not provided a timeline for when the enhanced collection efforts will begin or what specific penalties drivers may face.