Free E-ZPasses?

I recently found out about the 24,ooo drivers that are getting a free E-ZPass from the MTA. Many Staten Island commuters along with elected officials are outraged over the news. Commuters believe that E-ZPass rates should apply to everyone and that no one should get discount let alone free rates.Over 10,000 law enforcement and government employees were given e-zpasses for free. Along with 1,000 retired bridge and tunnel workers. These people were given lifetime privliges to E-ZPass by the Metropolitan Transportation Athority. The MTA looking to raise fares and tolls to help the huge budget deficits that it is in.The 24,000 people which includes current and former MTA board members, have orange passes that alow them to cross the MTA's 9 bridges and tunnels without paying a dime. The MTA did not tell exacly how many passes were given out to each person. They did not provide a breakdown of exactly who were given the free E-ZPasses and probably will never be provided. This decision will be fought and questioned untill an agreement is reached to please everyone.