Boston (May 26, 2004) - Citizens Bank today announced that as the official sponsor of FAST LANE, the Massachusetts Turnpike's electronic toll collection program, Citizens will begin making the transponder application process even more accessible to the public. In June, Citizens will start offering FAST LANE transponder applications throughout its network of more than 260 Massachusetts branches. The effort will expand on the MTA's four existing FAST LANE service stations in East Boston, Natick, Auburn and Springfield, which will continue to accept applications.
Also beginning next month, transponder applications may be obtained through visiting www.citizensbank.com or calling Citizens' toll-free PhoneBank at 1-800-922-9999. Anyone seeking a FAST LANE application may contact the Citizens PhoneBank - regardless of whether they are a Citizens customer. Citizens' PhoneBank is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As part of its FAST LANE sponsorship, Citizens is funding a highway beautification program that includes the planting of thousands of wildflowers along the Massachusetts Turnpike and in new planters at all toll plazas. In addition, trees are being planted along the highway. Citizens is also supporting the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority's development of a simplified sign system to make the Turnpike's toll plazas easier to navigate for commuters.
"We want our FAST LANE sponsorship to provide value for commuters by adding highway beautification along the Turnpike and enhanced convenience through our branch network," said Robert E. Smyth, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Massachusetts. "By increasing the number of locations people can go to apply for the transponders, we hope to continue to be known for our commitment to premium service."
Installation of Citizens Bank's FAST LANE signage at toll plazas will begin this month. The simplified sign system at all toll plazas is scheduled to be completed by the end of July.
FAST LANE transponders enable drivers to pass through toll plazas along the entire length of the Turnpike, at the Ted Williams and Sumner Tunnels and the Tobin Bridge without having to stop and pay. As a FAST LANE driver passes through a designated FAST LANE, a green "Thank You" light is flashed on the toll plaza and the driver's FAST LANE account is debited.
On average, 266,000 drivers - representing almost half of the Turnpike's toll transactions - use FAST LANE each day. More than 700,000 vehicles currently feature FAST LANE transponders.
Citizens Bank of Massachusetts is a $28.3 billion bank with more than 260 branch offices and 620 ATMs stretching from Greater Boston to Cape Cod and the Berkshires. It is headquartered at 28 State Street in Boston and has regional administration centers in Quincy, Hyannis and Woburn. It has 3,800 employees.
Citizens Bank of Massachusetts is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $78 billion commercial bank holding company. It is headquartered in Providence, R.I., and has more than 880 offices, approximately 1,650 ATMs and more than 15,500 employees in seven states. It operates as Citizens Bank in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Citizens is one of the 20 largest commercial bank holding companies in the United States. Citizens is owned by The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc.