Consumer Tips for Getting & Using E-Z Pass
Submitted by SharpMan Editorial Team on Tuesday 12th October 2010- What is E-Z Pass?
- How does it work?
- Is there a catch?
Now that the votes have been cast for greatest invention of the twentieth century, I would like to put in my two cents. While the invention of the airplane is up there, the cure for polio was pretty special, and plastic is high on the list, my choice is the E-Z Pass.
For those of you have not caught the wave, E-Z Pass is the device that allows you to go sailing through what were once horrifyingly long toll booth lines in NYC and the surrounding areas (and there are also E-Z Pass versions for nearly every other toll booth-ridden region in the country). All you need is this little device to fly through the long lines and right into the next traffic jam! It’s great. As you get ready for your summer road trips, this is the only thing you’ll need, up and down the east coast.
How It Works
E-Z Pass is a small device affixed to the windshield of your car directly behind your rearview mirror. As you whiz past the endless line of cars waiting to give their money to an actual person, your lane electronically scans the device and debits the correct amount from an account you set up with the E-Z Pass folks. Not only do you get to laugh at all the people sitting in traffic, you get a discount! The E-Z Pass basic plan gives you a 10% discount on all Port Authority facilities and 50 cents off the MTA Bridges and Tunnels.
Where It Works
"What?" you’re saying. "There must be a catch." Well, my friends, there isn’t. And to make matters better, E-Z Pass now has reciprocity in Massachusetts (Fast Lane) so you can throw away all those quarters you’re always fishing for on the Mass Pike. E-Z Pass is also accepted along the entire Atlantic City Expressway (so you can gamble all the money you’ve gotten in discounts with all the time you’ve saved); Interstate 95 and SR1 in Delaware; the Betsy Ross, Walt Whitman, and Commodore Barry Bridges; selected plazas on the Jersey Turnpike; and even, believe it or not, on the West Virginia Turnpike.
For those die-hards among you, E-Z Pass is now also accepted as a payment method at selected McDonald’s drive-thrus – zip-zip-zip!
The Plan
This great program has several different plans to choose from. The most practical is the basic plan. You send them $25. Though you can pay with check or money order, the simplest (and most convenient way) is to give them a credit card. When your balance gets below $10, the E-Z Plan people replenish your account with another $25. You’re covered wherever you want to go with absolutely no minimum debit (for those cheapo tolls, wherever they may be). The tag itself, if you use a credit card, is absolutely free. If you’re paying by check, they ask for a $10 deposit per tag. You will receive monthly statements, which give you the exact time and bridge/road/tunnel used. Perfect for those SharpMen who also travel on business.
A Word of Caution
Unfortunately, E-Z Pass is not yet a right, only a "privilege." As with everything, there are rules to obey – and the E-Z Pass enforcement people do not take their responsibilities lightly. I knew a guy who went through the plaza at 40 mph and had his privileges revoked. He hasn’t been the same since. By the same token, they can be merciful. Another person, who had a spotless E-Z Pass record, mistakenly went through a booth he shouldn’t have. They wrote him a letter of warning, made him pay the toll, but waived the fine since it was a first offense.
How Can You Be a Part of the Revolution?
The next time you find yourself wasting time and money handing money to a toll booth operator, as him or her for an application or call-1-800-333-Toll. You can also online at www.e-zpassny.com.
For more information on E-Z Pass and similar programs, visit the following sites:
This article last updated on Sunday 12th February 2012