Keeping Traffic Moving: The Toll Taker

"The Maryland Transportation Authority calls toll collectors "ambassadors." In fact, they are among its most disrespected public employees, and thanks to E-ZPass, they probably won't even be that for long. They drive to work in traffic that, as soon as they start their shift, people will blame on them. They stand for eight hours half-exposed to the elements, breathing exhaust so thick it blackens the windows. All this for a salary starting at $23,000.

...Exchanging Christmas cards Thursday in the administration building of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, one collector called out, "Everybody who's been hit by a boat, raise your hand!" Three arms, ostensibly bruised by boats too wide to clear the collector's window, shot up."