The proposed fee would cover costs for buying nearly one-half million transponders, implementing a retail program where transponders can be obtained at stores, providing service at some Department of Motor Vehicles offices, upgrading information technology to accommodate the expanded program, account management and the operation of three customer service centers. The Jordan Bridge in Hampton Roads will begin collecting tolls this summer, and there are other toll roads planned. All cars will be required to have E-ZPass transponders.Īlso, VDOT says, toll collection is scheduled to begin in January 2014 for the Downtown Tunnel/Midtown Tunnel/MLK Extension in Hampton Roads. The I-495 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia are scheduled to open at the end of the year. The program is expanding and the cost of maintaining it is rising. Isn’t it cheaper to have us all using E-ZPasses than to pay for someone to man the stations? If E-ZPass starts charging this monthly fee, I will start paying in quarters instead.ĭG: Here’s what VDOT says about the reasons behind its proposal: This surely is a programming task that could be easily written.Į-ZPass Monthly Charge: What’s up with the E-ZPass’s proposed monthly charge? I paid for the device when I purchased it. Those who used it 0-3 times would pay by use. Those who travel four or more times would have the $1 charge. I would prefer an extra 25 cents being deducted for each use. That said, it would be unfair for those of us who are senior citizens to have to pay $12 a year for the convenience of the E-ZPass for limited use as described above. And once in a long while, when I travel outside the area or use the Greenway. Now that I am retired, I use it only when going into D.C. ( Here’s a link for this Monday’s discussion.)Į-Z Pass Fees: The following is an e-mail I sent in response to a comment request.Īlthough I fully understand the need to make sure the program doesn’t go into the red, I want you to consider the following: I have had the device since it was first offered and used it daily to commute. The first came in during last Monday’s online chat, but it copies an e-mail sent to VDOT. Here’s a sample of what I’ve been hearing from drivers. Virginia at least should have a plan similar to the one adopted by the Maryland Transportation Authority that waives its $1.50 fee if the E-ZPass is used at least three times the previous month. The E-ZPass clause spelling out deactivation rules is buried in the fine print of a 2,200-word user agreement.A view of Dulles Toll Road at the main toll plaza in Vienna, Va. When The Pilot wrote about the issue in 2018, only two of 16 E-ZPass states, Virginia and New Hampshire, deactivated accounts for nonuse in such a short period. Adding to the annoyance for some is that state officials heavily push E-ZPass as the best way to pay, meaning even many occasional toll users sign up. The deactivation of E-ZPass accounts has long frustrated motorists who, having missed a notice, think their tolls will be paid and end up with higher pay-by-plate bills instead. The process has often confused drivers and left some with five-figure debts. If they want to close it, they can do so online, then mail their transponder back or take it to a DMV office.Īny balance remaining on the account will be sent to the driver, according to the E-ZPass Virginia website.Įlectronic tolling started in Virginia in 1996 as a pay option in addition to cash, but in recent years, many facilities have gone to electronic tolling only. To keep the account open, drivers must respond in 30 days and say so. According to the E-ZPass website, accounts that are not used in one year receive an inactive account notice.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |