For business travelers based on the East Coast or whom travel the eastern United States by car, toll stops can be a nuisance. Not only do they take up valuable time, but travelers must also be sure to keep the appropriate cash and change on hand.
What is the E-Z Pass System?
E-Z Pass is an electronic toll collection system. Travelers using the system prepay a certain amount toward tolls and attach a small electronic device to the inside windshield of their vehicle. When passing through a toll collection stop, the transponder device is read and the appropriate toll is automatically calculated and deducted from the prepaid account. A record of your transactions will be included in the traveler's periodic statement.
Individual and business accounts are available; individual accounts can have up to four tags, and can be used for cars, vans, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and RVs. Business accounts can be used for business owned or leased vehicles with two or more axles, and that have single or multiple rear tires.
What Are the Benefits of E-Z Pass?
The electronic toll collection system saves time for commuters by allowing automated collection of toll fares. In addition, travelers using the system reduce auto emissions and increase fuel efficiency by maintaining a constant speed, rather than coming to a stop, paying a toll and accelerating.
The E-Z Pass system offers special discount plans for frequent commuters who meet certain criteria. The special discount plans offered may have residency requirements, vehicle occupancy requirements, time-of-day restrictions, or number-of-trips requirements. See the E-Z Pass Web site for more specific information.
Where Can E-Z Pass Be Used?
The system can be used in several East Coast states, regardless of where it was purchased, including New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia, accept E-Z Pass. In New Jersey, this includes the turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and the Atlantic City Expressway. All Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Delaware crossings accept the prepaid system, as well as MTA bridges and tunnels, the New York State Thruway, NYS Bridge Authority bridges crossing the Hudson River, Interstate 95, and State Road 1 in Delaware.
In Illinois, the North-South Tollway, Tri-State Tollway, Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway and Northwest Tollway accept the prepaid system. In Indiana, E-Z Pass is accepted on the Indiana Toll Road.
How Do Travelers Sign Up and Prepay for the Service?
The E-Z Pass can be applied for online as well as by phone by calling (888) AUTO-TOLL (888 288-6865). In addition, travelers can apply for an account in person at certain Giant Eagle, Get Go, Acme and Karns stores, as well as at select service plazas on the turnpikes.
Teresa Shaw - Teresa J, Shaw is a professional journalist with more than 12 years of experience. She travels for both business and pleasure several ...
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