Tolls

Get them all. Ez pass offers discounts, the others I don't know but it is worth the time you save

 

I was recently informed by one of the folks at Central Oregon Truck that several of those "little guys" will begin accepting EZ Pass next year. I'm sure you can find some info on their respective web sites. That would make your choice easier.

 

I paid cash for the last 10 years and finally decided to get a EZPASS. Some toll agencies are doing away with EZPASS discounts where others are reducing them. EZPASS is decent, but the transponders have issues in some vehicles. Also some states only have one style of transponder (Ohio only has a inside one that doesn't work well with my stainless drop visor). Another bad issue with EZPASS is that I run a tandem axle reefer with the front axle being liftable. EZPASS generally won't recognize the axle being lifted considering the transponder is registered to a 5 axle tractor trailer.

 

Is there a difference between Ipass and EzPass?

 

Best thing would be to start with an EZpass since it covers just about all the toll roads in the NE. Then figure out where you'll actually use others before going thru the trouble. I have FL Sunpass, TxTag, OK PikePass, in addition to EZpass. I don't use any of them often, but it sure is nice to not stop and pay cash tolls when I decide to run pay roads.

So in addition to pullingtrucker's excellent points about function, especially about non-standard or changeable axle configurations, here's a few more:

Get the removable type transponder when you can (avoid the sticker style). You won't have to re-order when replacing windshields and you can remove them when not in use to reduce clutter on the windshield.

You can get EZpass from any participating state. I think I've read that NY has the best program for terms and billing. I signed up with PA and it was a mistake. I went to PA since that was the main state I planned to use for EZpass tolls. Huge cash balance required (due to their ridiculous toll rates no doubt) and poor customer service. Example: a few months ago I took a short trip between Breezewood and Bedford, about 16 mi. The transponder didn't register so they automatically charged me the max toll from the entry point, about $80. In order to get that reversed, I had to print out a protest form, fill it out, attach proof (their own records where the one toll plaza didn't register), and send it regular mail. 3-4 week turn around. In the mean time they just kept my money. You're guilty until you prove your innocence. They will not do any adjustment over the phone, even if it's obvious.

EZpass tolls from other than the state you're signed up with may post with delay. On mine, it takes a day or two for WV tolls to show up on my PA account. If you have to protest those, I'm sure PA will make it even more difficult and do less for you. See last paragraph.

TX has many toll road authorities. They generally interoperate, but there are cases where they don't. It can make disputes time consuming as you figure out who has to fix it. Of course you will do all the legwork, waiting on hold, and on the hook for tolls/penalties while figuring that out. Best to figure out which toll roads you'll use and make sure the one you sign up for works on all of them. Especially when traveling on unattended toll roads. I chose TxTag since it covered most of the tollways around DFW and Houston. Oddly, I dodge TX tolls more often than I ride on them. You can travel the feeder roads and avoid tolls at the expense of a lower speed and traffic light every mile or so. Costs minutes in most cases, not worth the hefty toll.

Definitely look at the rates before just gliding thru the express toll lane. FL is a good example. Sunpass on the FL turnpike is generally a good value. On the other hand, the Orlando toll road network is spendy. Most cases you only save minutes and there are plenty of good free routes. Another example is the PA turnpike. The rates will make your eyes pop out. A trip from OH to Philly will rack up nearly $200 for a 5-axle semi.

Last, but not least, if you have driver employees, use caution with toll tags. A lazy driver can cost you.

 

hey, I had the same with my liftable axle on my flatbed and tag axle on my truck, but if you contact your ezpass agency and change your transponder into 3 axle vehicle instead of 5 axle it will then read however many axles you have on the ground and will not read 5 axles all the time.

 

The company I work for uses ipass. It works everywhere that ezpass is accepted

 

Here are the toll transponders you'll need:
EZPass for the NE toll ways also covers IL/IN tolls and FL Sunpass
Pikepass for OK
K-Tag for KS
TXpass for TX

As far as I know Pikepass, K-Tag and TXpass are not authorizing EZPass use yet.
The pluses you have for these is they all have a setup for monthly accounts that give you a discount and you can write the expenses off on your taxes.


Don't forget you can get the EZPass/Prepass combo. If you decide to do CA, the Prepass will help with the scales.

 

I have an ezpass. I run mostly northeast so it saves enough time to be worthwhile I feel.
I also have a 13" stainless drop visor, the interior transponder does get missed about 30% of the time: it gets picked up via camera on the toll booths and assigned to my ezpass account (with no additional surcharge for the transponder not being read) by my license plate info.