E-Z Pass on the way.

BBS · 02-01-2005, 12:08 PM

I thought that this system was scheduled for installation last fall. But better late than never, I suppose.

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache...nsponder&hl=en

Just noticed that the Union Leader pulled the story so here's a summary:

EZ Pass start slated for March

Author: GARRY RAYNO State House Bureau Chief
Publication: Union Leader, The (Manchester, NH)
Page Number: A1

CONCORD -- Before the summer tourist season arrives, New Hampshire drivers should be able to pass through electronic toll booths without stopping once the EZ Pass system is up and running.

Gov. Craig Benson and state officials yesterday said sections of the long-awaited system could be operational as early as March, but Department of Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray said the goal is to have the entire turnpike system up and running by Memorial Day.

Tired of Waiting · 02-01-2005, 12:24 PM

I just hope they set it up better than they did here in Western MA. The exit I get off at on the way home has three exit lanes, one of which is a fast lane. However instead of putting that lane in the middle it's on the far right. Now if you want to go left after the exit you have to cross one lane and try to merge with the left one. If you are east bound on the pike and take the exit you have to wait for the fast lane folks sitting at a stop to enter the lane or move to the regular ticket lane. All cause the person up front can't get across the lanes to turn left when going through the "fast" lane.

Oh well, Hope your's is better.

ToW

Smith Point · 02-01-2005, 02:28 PM

Thank god it’s finally here what a time saver! And convenient let me tell you. It’s the best idea the Mass & the Everett turnpike has had to date. And I think the Maine turnpike went into effect today also. 2 thumbs up

parrothead · 02-02-2005, 09:17 AM

Are they going to discontinue tokens? It is a nice savings if you through a lot of NH tolls. I don't thnk that the same discount is offered with Fast Lane.

Grant · 02-02-2005, 10:01 AM

Can I hear an "Amen"??!

This makes the entire PA-to-Lake trek a cashless event!

Bear Islander · 02-02-2005, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tired of Waiting

....instead of putting that lane in the middle it's on the far right.

They put the EZ Pass at the far end so that toll takers don't have to cross the high speed lane. The speed limit is supposed to be 15 mph but 30 or even 40 is common.

BroadHopper · 02-02-2005, 12:23 PM

I read somewhere in the papers that they will have tokens available. Thet means those that use tokens cannot take the 'fast lanes'. I guess that is the price to pay to save some money.

Tired of Waiting · 02-02-2005, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

They put the EZ Pass at the far end so that toll takers don't have to cross the high speed lane. The speed limit is supposed to be 15 mph but 30 or even 40 is common.

I agree to some extent. However, Many of the toll areas have more than one speed pass lane and the ticket tackers have to cross them. Also at the exit I am speaking of the ticket takers have to cross the speed lane to get to the other booths cause their building is also on the right.

Ticket Lane----Ticket Lane----Fast Lane----Toll Building.

ToW

Puffin · 02-02-2005, 02:13 PM

http://www.nh.gov/dot/turnpikes/pdf/EZPassUpdate.pdf

I beleive NH, Like Maine and MA, will be charging for the ezpass device about$27.50 ea. However you can order one from NY for $0.00 and it will work for the entire east coast.

http://www.e-zpassny.com/static/signup/index.html

SIKSUKR · 02-02-2005, 02:46 PM

I remember reading that the tokens would be phased out but discounts somehow would still be available,but at a reduced rate than the present.Something like 25% off instead of 50% off. SS

dpg · 02-03-2005, 06:32 AM

Hey TOW - You wouldn't be talking about the Rte.30 Fast lane exit in Weston would you? Like like it.

Tired of Waiting · 02-03-2005, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpg

Hey TOW - You wouldn't be talking about the Rte.30 Fast lane exit in Weston would you? Like like it.

No not the Rt 30 exit. The one I was refering to was Exit #3, Westfield. However Exit #6 is even worse. There are two fast lanes next to the building they have to cross

to get to the ticket lanes in the middle.

ToW

Island Girl · 02-03-2005, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

I remember reading that the tokens would be phased out but discounts somehow would still be available,but at a reduced rate than the present.Something like 25% off instead of 50% off. SS

Which is really just a tax increase.

ghfromaltonbay · 02-03-2005, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puffin

http://www.nh.gov/dot/turnpikes/pdf/EZPassUpdate.pdf

I beleive NH, Like Maine and MA, will be charging for the ezpass device about$27.50 ea. However you can order one from NY for $0.00 and it will work for the entire east coast.

http://www.e-zpassny.com/static/signup/index.html

New York changed their rules and now will only issue transponders to NY state residents. Luckily I'm grandfathered since I got mine several years ago before NJ also started using EZ Pass. The Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike have now instituted high speed EZ Pass at several toll plazas, the extreme left lane booths were removed and only readers hang down over the lanes. You proceed at the posted speed limit, which in the case of the northernmost toll on the GSP is 65 mph. I think this is great and would be a help at the Hampton Tolls to cut down on weekend backups.

Puffin · 02-03-2005, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

New York changed their rules and now will only issue transponders to NY state residents. Luckily I'm grandfathered since I got mine several years ago before NJ also started using EZ Pass. The Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike have now instituted high speed EZ Pass at several toll plazas, the extreme left lane booths were removed and only readers hang down over the lanes. You proceed at the posted speed limit, which in the case of the northernmost toll on the GSP is 65 mph. I think this is great and would be a help at the Hampton Tolls to cut down on weekend backups.

I not so sure! My neigbhor, within the last 3 months, ordered and received EZ pass from NY. I just ordered 2 Monday Night and expect to receive them today or tomorrow (I'm in MA). I received a confirmation that my account was activiated so I have no reason to beleive otherwise. I simply filled out the on line appication paid with a CC and done, no fee for the transponders.

Puffin

jeffk · 02-03-2005, 01:55 PM

The DOT FAQ mentions a monthly maintenence fee. Does anyone know how much that might be? Do other states charge this fee?
I'm not a commuter and this will probably not be a good deal for me. We mostly go through the Hooksett and occasionally the Bedford tolls. Rarely have we had a significant wait. The cost of the transponder is as much as I spend on tolls for the year (after token discounts) and the monthy fee could easily make it a Loser.

Puffin · 02-04-2005, 01:25 PM

Just to confirm I did get my EZ Pass from NY in yesterdays mail. Not a bad turnaround at all. Ordered Monday Night after 9 P.M. and it was in the mail on Thursday. No charge or deposit for the transponder as long as you pay and allow automatic charges to a CC. Only issue I have is that I thought I ordered 2 units but only received 1, I have to check my order confirmation to make sure. --Edit 2nd unit came in today. not bad turnaround.

Puffin

Zee · 02-04-2005, 01:57 PM

I have four transponders which I got thru NJ several years ago. No charge for the transponders, I must leave $15.00 on deposit from which they draw down the tolls. This automatically replenishes from my credit card. I do have to pay a $1.00 monthly fee for "maintenance". That fee is in total, not for each transponder. That fee is worth it to be able to get through the tolls quicker for my weekend travel back and forth since I hit both Hooksett and Bedford. I just hope there will still be some kind of discount. I will miss the 50% discount on the tokens.

gtxrider · 02-05-2005, 01:17 PM

I hope the EZPASS is in the same lane at every toll plaza. The Rocket Surgeons that did the Garden State Parkway have no system for EZPASS. It would make sense to have them in the LEFT (FAST) Lane but no. The EZPASS lanes are not laid out in a consistant fashion. My normal ride on the GSP goes through 3 Toll Plazas and none are the same.

Caution: Watch out for the drivers that cannot/do not read signs they will drive up to an EZPASS Booth and then decide that it is not where they want to be and make a sudden turn.

No signals.

I do like the EZPASS especially in bad weather it keeps the rain, snow, slush, etc...outside the vehicle.

luna · 02-05-2005, 01:39 PM

Ditto Grant! I'm in Jenkintown, PA and curse those New Hampshire tolls every time I have to dig for quarters. This is very good news indeed!

Rattlesnake Gal · 02-18-2005, 07:34 AM

The state will begin opening the first E-ZPass lanes Memorial Day.
State transportation officials want to eliminate tokens at turnpike tollbooths once the state installs the fast-lane E-ZPass program by Labor Day.

New Hampshire moving to E-ZPass toll system - Fosters Online

BroadHopper · 02-18-2005, 12:25 PM

According to this article it is possible that the discounts may apply to residents only. They expect to raise an additional 4 miilion.

http://www.theunionleader.com/articl...?article=50946

upthesaukee · 02-18-2005, 03:41 PM

Here is part of the article RG referenced from Foster's regarding NH Resident discounts only:

Rep. John Graham, R-Bedford, said that in addition to eliminating tokens, his bill would have given the E-ZPass discount only to New Hampshire residents but federal court decisions have rendered that preference unconstitutional and Graham asked that it be struck from his bill.

Leave it to the press to get things messed up.

fatlazyless · 02-18-2005, 09:29 PM

Let's see, traveling from Boston to Lake Winnipesaukee on Route 93, you pass through just the one toll in Hooksett, NH. It costs 75 cents, however if you buy a roll of NH highway tokens for five dollars the 75 cent toll is discounted to 37 1/2 cents. For five bucks, you get a roll of 40 tokens, each one a legal and welcome alternative to a quarter so for five bucks you get the equivalent of ten dollars of quarters.

Each token has a silhouette of NH's granite icon, albeit now deceased, the famous "Olde Man of the Mountain', plus it says "Live Free or Die." About ten years ago, Governor Merrill had the 'New Jersey' barricade gates removed from the tolls and set out huge potted flowers between each toll station because NH is all about flowers and not security gates.

Why would anyone want to replace or do away with the tokens? They are sort of a collector's item what with the Old Man, the State motto, and the low, 50% off, bargain basement price.

KBoater · 03-31-2005, 09:26 AM

A friend of mine just got several tickets by speeding through the EZ Pass lane in NJ. I guess the cameras also check speed.

PROPELLER · 05-13-2005, 09:50 AM

Hoping to have E-Z pass up an running by the July 4th weekend. No change in the rates, transponders purchased in NH will receive 30% discount on NH tolls. For a limited time up to 11/1/05 a transponder will cost $5 & no monthly account charges. No decision on the tokens yet.

It has not been announced when the transponders will go on sale.

jeffk · 05-15-2005, 12:22 PM

I think the no account charges is only if you choose not to get a monthly statement sent to you but instead check your account on line. Not a problem for forum users.

I only spend about $20 (after discount) on tolls in NH every year. I would prefer to keep the tokens with the 50% discount but it looks like that's not an option. At $5 for the transponder E-Z pass is a tolerable tradeoff. I'll be paying a bit more for the convenience of going through the tools a bit quicker (which hadn't been that much of a problem for us). I also get the extended use in MA and NY which we go through every couple of months. I guess it's time to bow to "progress".

BTW, I think that $5 price on the transponder may only be for a couple of months, then they go to $25 or so. The early bird gets the worm (or better deal). The details are being worked out yet.

PROPELLER · 05-16-2005, 07:32 AM

Yes, you are correct about the account charges. If you want a prinout its $1 per month otherwise its $0. The $5 transponder price is good until 11/1/05 then they will be $15 according to the Union Leader on 5/13.

Nero Gatto · 05-18-2005, 07:35 AM

So much for th July 4th.

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll...017/-1/citizen

BroadHopper · 05-18-2005, 11:10 AM

Amen!

mcdude · 05-18-2005, 12:14 PM

I have been trying to find the source but it escapes me. I read of someone travelling up the east coast and at each toll booth the EZ Pass lanes were all backed up with long lines....but since he was paying with cash, and the lines were shorter there, he breezed right through. I figure I pay $12 per month in tolls (which is $6 with the tokens). If I can breeze through the tolls more quickly by paying cash (and $6 extra per month) it would be worth it to me not be sitting in line with the rest of the suckers. As it is now, the pay-as-you-go booths (any vehicle), rather than the exact change lanes, are most usually much shorter IMO. Time will tell!

SIKSUKR · 05-18-2005, 01:36 PM

I'm with you McDude.I do find that when the tolls are crowded head to the right lanes for a much quicker line.Maybe it's best to wait and watch to see how the traffic moves when ez-pass comes on-line.Does anyone know how many,if more than one,lanes will be converted at the major tolls like 95 and 93? SS

PROPELLER · 05-19-2005, 07:08 AM

I always go to the cash only lines to the right when the others are lined up. I have never encountered a back up at the cash only lanes to the right when paying a toll.

Gatto Nero · 06-03-2005, 07:24 AM

Here is the link to the article this morning.

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll...016/-1/CITIZEN

jimbob1603 · 06-03-2005, 07:35 AM

What is happening to the jobs being replaced by EZ Pass? What does the toll-collector's union have to say about the new system?

Zee · 06-03-2005, 12:49 PM

The article isn't clear if the 30% discount will be given to people who purchase their transponders from NH or just NH registered drivers who purchase transponders. I guess I won't give up my NJ transponders until I hear more.

Gatto Nero · 06-03-2005, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zee

The article isn't clear if the 30% discount will be given to people who purchase their transponders from NH or just NH registered drivers who purchase transponders. I guess I won't give up my NJ transponders until I hear more.

Seems pretty clear to me.

"Under the plan, drivers who open New Hampshire accounts will get discounts on tolls."

Doesn't say anything about being a resident.

Mee-n-Mac · 06-03-2005, 01:25 PM

Seems silly to me that either plan would stop accepting tokens (1/2006 or 7/2007) as oppposed to just no longer selling them. After a while they'd run out (for most people, FLL perhaps excluded

). Why bother tinkering with the machinery unless the coin vs token "logic" is constantly breaking down. You're going to have coin lanes no matter what is done. Somehow I find it hard to believe that the token part alone costs an additional $750k (net) to run. I also wonder why it's so important that the EZ Pass be deemed a "success". What if the public doesn't gravitate towards it at the rate or in the amounts deemed "successful" ? So what ? Ooops silly me, some pols reputation is probably at stake. By all means lets make sure it's successful then ....

PROPELLER · 06-03-2005, 02:26 PM

M&M, If the public does not want EZ - Pass why are they going ahead with it? Personally, I would rather have the 50% discount using tokens, I don't have a problem stopping to drop them or give them to a toll taker or stopping to buy new ones.

I think the issue with having both is that if they offer the 50% discount with tokens many will not use EZ-Pass & the costs to run EZ-Pass will be prohibitive on top of the discount of 30% with EZ-Pass & the 50% discount with tokens.

I think it should be one or the other & just end it. I have not seen this much flip flopping since Kerry ran for president, just make a decision.

Gatto Nero · 06-03-2005, 03:02 PM

Too bad the EZ-Pass system won't be ready for Bike Week. Stopping to pay a toll is always a pain on a bike, tokens or no. EZ Pass would save lots of line time for the bikers and all those unfortunate enough to get stuck behind them.

jonr · 06-06-2005, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcdude

I have been trying to find the source but it escapes me. I read of someone travelling up the east coast and at each toll booth the EZ Pass lanes were all backed up with long lines....but since he was paying with cash, and the lines were shorter there, he breezed right through. I figure I pay $12 per month in tolls (which is $6 with the tokens). If I can breeze through the tolls more quickly by paying cash (and $6 extra per month) it would be worth it to me not be sitting in line with the rest of the suckers. As it is now, the pay-as-you-go booths (any vehicle), rather than the exact change lanes, are most usually much shorter IMO. Time will tell!

My experience with EZ-pass up and down the east coast has been that the EZ pass lines are *always* much shorter than any of the cash lines. I think the throughput is so much larger (no stopping, no change) that they can just push so many more cars through that it's amazing. Plus of course they can add or remove EZ-pass lanes as needed.

That said having a different discount amount for tokens and EZ-pass can only hurt EZ-pass adoption if the EZ-pass demand is elastic.

I have to agree that sometimes the non-exact change lanes are faster. But only sometimes. At those times the lines that move the fastest are the lines with buses or trucks in them because of their length. (I.e. they pay once but take up the same roadway as 3 cars).

jimbob1603 · 06-06-2005, 07:49 AM

Jeez ..... looks like I'll have to purchase another transponder. I've quite a collection of these things; each state only discounts their own issue. I guess the good news is that tokens will be good, with a 50% discount, for a few more years.

Islander · 06-06-2005, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbob1603

I've quite a collection of these things

If you drive through with more than 1 transponder in your car you can be charged on each of them. And that would not be saving any money.

When Fast Lane started in MA we sent a car to pick up several transponders. When they drove through the toll booth all six transponders in the box were read and charged the toll.

BroadHopper · 06-06-2005, 04:03 PM

My buddy has more than one transponder as he is a salesman from Maine to Florida. He has these alluminum foil pouches that he puts his transponders in. That way he only has the transponder he needs outside of it's pouch and get charge on that transponder only. neat.

02-01-2005, 12:08 PM	#1
BBS Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	E-Z Pass on the way. I thought that this system was scheduled for installation last fall. But better late than never, I suppose. http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache...nsponder&hl=en Just noticed that the Union Leader pulled the story so here's a summary: EZ Pass start slated for March Author: GARRY RAYNO State House Bureau Chief Publication: Union Leader, The (Manchester, NH) Page Number: A1 CONCORD -- Before the summer tourist season arrives, New Hampshire drivers should be able to pass through electronic toll booths without stopping once the EZ Pass system is up and running. Gov. Craig Benson and state officials yesterday said sections of the long-awaited system could be operational as early as March, but Department of Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray said the goal is to have the entire turnpike system up and running by Memorial Day. Last edited by BBS; 02-02-2005 at 08:20 AM.

02-01-2005, 12:24 PM	#2
Tired of Waiting Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 519 Thanks: 111 Thanked 259 Times in 107 Posts	It's a good system IF set up right I just hope they set it up better than they did here in Western MA. The exit I get off at on the way home has three exit lanes, one of which is a fast lane. However instead of putting that lane in the middle it's on the far right. Now if you want to go left after the exit you have to cross one lane and try to merge with the left one. If you are east bound on the pike and take the exit you have to wait for the fast lane folks sitting at a stop to enter the lane or move to the regular ticket lane. All cause the person up front can't get across the lanes to turn left when going through the "fast" lane. Oh well, Hope your's is better. ToW

02-02-2005, 09:17 AM	#4
parrothead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Merrimack, NH Posts: 132 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Tokens? Are they going to discontinue tokens? It is a nice savings if you through a lot of NH tolls. I don't thnk that the same discount is offered with Fast Lane. __________________ If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane

02-02-2005, 10:01 AM	#5
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,499 Thanks: 374 Thanked 229 Times in 123 Posts	Woo-hoo! Can I hear an "Amen"??! This makes the entire PA-to-Lake trek a cashless event! __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

02-02-2005, 12:23 PM	#7
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,206 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Tokens I read somewhere in the papers that they will have tokens available. Thet means those that use tokens cannot take the 'fast lanes'. I guess that is the price to pay to save some money. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

02-01-2005, 02:28 PM	#3
Smith Point Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Smith Point/ Bangor ME Posts: 195 Thanks: 198 Thanked 35 Times in 18 Posts	Thank god it’s finally here what a time saver! And convenient let me tell you. It’s the best idea the Mass & the Everett turnpike has had to date. And I think the Maine turnpike went into effect today also. 2 thumbs up

02-02-2005, 02:13 PM	#9
Puffin Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 43 Thanks: 10 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	NH EZ Pass http://www.nh.gov/dot/turnpikes/pdf/EZPassUpdate.pdf I beleive NH, Like Maine and MA, will be charging for the ezpass device about$27.50 ea. However you can order one from NY for $0.00 and it will work for the entire east coast. http://www.e-zpassny.com/static/signup/index.html Last edited by Puffin; 02-02-2005 at 02:15 PM.

02-02-2005, 02:46 PM	#10
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	I remember reading that the tokens would be phased out but discounts somehow would still be available,but at a reduced rate than the present.Something like 25% off instead of 50% off. SS __________________ SIKSUKR

02-03-2005, 06:32 AM	#11
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,591 Thanks: 150 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	Question For TOW Hey TOW - You wouldn't be talking about the Rte.30 Fast lane exit in Weston would you? Like like it.

02-03-2005, 01:55 PM	#16
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,166 Thanks: 205 Thanked 432 Times in 249 Posts	Good deal for non-commuter? The DOT FAQ mentions a monthly maintenence fee. Does anyone know how much that might be? Do other states charge this fee? I'm not a commuter and this will probably not be a good deal for me. We mostly go through the Hooksett and occasionally the Bedford tolls. Rarely have we had a significant wait. The cost of the transponder is as much as I spend on tolls for the year (after token discounts) and the monthy fee could easily make it a Loser.

02-04-2005, 01:25 PM	#17
Puffin Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 43 Thanks: 10 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	Ny Ez Pass Just to confirm I did get my EZ Pass from NY in yesterdays mail. Not a bad turnaround at all. Ordered Monday Night after 9 P.M. and it was in the mail on Thursday. No charge or deposit for the transponder as long as you pay and allow automatic charges to a CC. Only issue I have is that I thought I ordered 2 units but only received 1, I have to check my order confirmation to make sure. --Edit 2nd unit came in today. not bad turnaround. Puffin Last edited by Puffin; 02-04-2005 at 09:46 PM.

02-04-2005, 01:57 PM	#18
Zee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Union Wharf, Tuftonboro Posts: 173 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 1 Post	Monthly Fee I have four transponders which I got thru NJ several years ago. No charge for the transponders, I must leave $15.00 on deposit from which they draw down the tolls. This automatically replenishes from my credit card. I do have to pay a $1.00 monthly fee for "maintenance". That fee is in total, not for each transponder. That fee is worth it to be able to get through the tolls quicker for my weekend travel back and forth since I hit both Hooksett and Bedford. I just hope there will still be some kind of discount. I will miss the 50% discount on the tokens.

02-05-2005, 01:17 PM	#19
gtxrider Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Piscataway, NJ Posts: 1,030 Thanks: 2 Thanked 46 Times in 24 Posts	Which Lane? I hope the EZPASS is in the same lane at every toll plaza. The Rocket Surgeons that did the Garden State Parkway have no system for EZPASS. It would make sense to have them in the LEFT (FAST) Lane but no. The EZPASS lanes are not laid out in a consistant fashion. My normal ride on the GSP goes through 3 Toll Plazas and none are the same. Caution: Watch out for the drivers that cannot/do not read signs they will drive up to an EZPASS Booth and then decide that it is not where they want to be and make a sudden turn. No signals. I do like the EZPASS especially in bad weather it keeps the rain, snow, slush, etc...outside the vehicle.

02-05-2005, 01:39 PM	#20
luna Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ditto Grant! I'm in Jenkintown, PA and curse those New Hampshire tolls every time I have to dig for quarters. This is very good news indeed!

02-18-2005, 07:34 AM	#21
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Eliminating Tokens? The state will begin opening the first E-ZPass lanes Memorial Day. State transportation officials want to eliminate tokens at turnpike tollbooths once the state installs the fast-lane E-ZPass program by Labor Day. New Hampshire moving to E-ZPass toll system - Fosters Online

02-18-2005, 12:25 PM	#22
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,206 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Tokens According to this article it is possible that the discounts may apply to residents only. They expect to raise an additional 4 miilion. http://www.theunionleader.com/articl...?article=50946 __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

02-18-2005, 03:41 PM	#23
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,597 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,454 Thanked 1,979 Times in 1,080 Posts	Resident discount only?? Don't think so Here is part of the article RG referenced from Foster's regarding NH Resident discounts only: Rep. John Graham, R-Bedford, said that in addition to eliminating tokens, his bill would have given the E-ZPass discount only to New Hampshire residents but federal court decisions have rendered that preference unconstitutional and Graham asked that it be struck from his bill. Leave it to the press to get things messed up. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

02-18-2005, 09:29 PM	#24
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,738 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,007 Times in 735 Posts	....tokens should be forever & a day! Let's see, traveling from Boston to Lake Winnipesaukee on Route 93, you pass through just the one toll in Hooksett, NH. It costs 75 cents, however if you buy a roll of NH highway tokens for five dollars the 75 cent toll is discounted to 37 1/2 cents. For five bucks, you get a roll of 40 tokens, each one a legal and welcome alternative to a quarter so for five bucks you get the equivalent of ten dollars of quarters. Each token has a silhouette of NH's granite icon, albeit now deceased, the famous "Olde Man of the Mountain', plus it says "Live Free or Die." About ten years ago, Governor Merrill had the 'New Jersey' barricade gates removed from the tolls and set out huge potted flowers between each toll station because NH is all about flowers and not security gates. Why would anyone want to replace or do away with the tokens? They are sort of a collector's item what with the Old Man, the State motto, and the low, 50% off, bargain basement price.

03-31-2005, 09:26 AM	#25
KBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 521 Thanks: 10 Thanked 29 Times in 15 Posts	Speeding thru EZ Pass A friend of mine just got several tickets by speeding through the EZ Pass lane in NJ. I guess the cameras also check speed. __________________ Home Permanently in NH

05-13-2005, 09:50 AM	#26
PROPELLER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 340 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hoping to have E-Z pass up an running by the July 4th weekend. No change in the rates, transponders purchased in NH will receive 30% discount on NH tolls. For a limited time up to 11/1/05 a transponder will cost $5 & no monthly account charges. No decision on the tokens yet. It has not been announced when the transponders will go on sale.

05-15-2005, 12:22 PM	#27
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,166 Thanks: 205 Thanked 432 Times in 249 Posts	Probably worth it for me now I think the no account charges is only if you choose not to get a monthly statement sent to you but instead check your account on line. Not a problem for forum users. I only spend about $20 (after discount) on tolls in NH every year. I would prefer to keep the tokens with the 50% discount but it looks like that's not an option. At $5 for the transponder E-Z pass is a tolerable tradeoff. I'll be paying a bit more for the convenience of going through the tools a bit quicker (which hadn't been that much of a problem for us). I also get the extended use in MA and NY which we go through every couple of months. I guess it's time to bow to "progress". BTW, I think that $5 price on the transponder may only be for a couple of months, then they go to $25 or so. The early bird gets the worm (or better deal). The details are being worked out yet.

05-16-2005, 07:32 AM	#28
PROPELLER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 340 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yes, you are correct about the account charges. If you want a prinout its $1 per month otherwise its $0. The $5 transponder price is good until 11/1/05 then they will be $15 according to the Union Leader on 5/13. Last edited by PROPELLER; 05-16-2005 at 07:38 AM.

05-18-2005, 07:35 AM	#29
Nero Gatto Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Delayed again So much for th July 4th. http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll...017/-1/citizen __________________ Nero Gatto

05-18-2005, 11:10 AM	#30
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,206 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Long live the tokens!!!! Amen! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

05-18-2005, 12:14 PM	#31
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,367 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,057 Times in 495 Posts	I have been trying to find the source but it escapes me. I read of someone travelling up the east coast and at each toll booth the EZ Pass lanes were all backed up with long lines....but since he was paying with cash, and the lines were shorter there, he breezed right through. I figure I pay $12 per month in tolls (which is $6 with the tokens). If I can breeze through the tolls more quickly by paying cash (and $6 extra per month) it would be worth it to me not be sitting in line with the rest of the suckers. As it is now, the pay-as-you-go booths (any vehicle), rather than the exact change lanes, are most usually much shorter IMO. Time will tell! Last edited by mcdude; 05-18-2005 at 04:49 PM.

05-18-2005, 01:36 PM	#32
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	I'm with you McDude.I do find that when the tolls are crowded head to the right lanes for a much quicker line.Maybe it's best to wait and watch to see how the traffic moves when ez-pass comes on-line.Does anyone know how many,if more than one,lanes will be converted at the major tolls like 95 and 93? SS __________________ SIKSUKR

05-19-2005, 07:08 AM	#33
PROPELLER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 340 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I always go to the cash only lines to the right when the others are lined up. I have never encountered a back up at the cash only lanes to the right when paying a toll.

06-03-2005, 07:24 AM	#34
Gatto Nero Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Isola Gatto Nero Posts: 697 Thanks: 162 Thanked 263 Times in 81 Posts	Executive Council approves E-ZPass plan Here is the link to the article this morning. http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll...016/-1/CITIZEN __________________ La vita è buona su Isola Gatto Nero

06-03-2005, 07:35 AM	#35
jimbob1603 Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 71 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What is happening to the jobs being replaced by EZ Pass? What does the toll-collector's union have to say about the new system? Last edited by jimbob1603; 06-03-2005 at 10:56 AM.

06-03-2005, 12:49 PM	#36
Zee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Union Wharf, Tuftonboro Posts: 173 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 1 Post	It's not clear The article isn't clear if the 30% discount will be given to people who purchase their transponders from NH or just NH registered drivers who purchase transponders. I guess I won't give up my NJ transponders until I hear more.

06-03-2005, 01:25 PM	#38
Mee-n-Mac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,943 Thanks: 23 Thanked 111 Times in 51 Posts	Tokens not accepted Seems silly to me that either plan would stop accepting tokens (1/2006 or 7/2007) as oppposed to just no longer selling them. After a while they'd run out (for most people, FLL perhaps excluded ). Why bother tinkering with the machinery unless the coin vs token "logic" is constantly breaking down. You're going to have coin lanes no matter what is done. Somehow I find it hard to believe that the token part alone costs an additional $750k (net) to run. I also wonder why it's so important that the EZ Pass be deemed a "success". What if the public doesn't gravitate towards it at the rate or in the amounts deemed "successful" ? So what ? Ooops silly me, some pols reputation is probably at stake. By all means lets make sure it's successful then .... __________________ Mee'n'Mac "Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by simple stupidity or ignorance. The latter are a lot more common than the former." - RAH

06-03-2005, 02:26 PM	#39
PROPELLER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 340 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	M&M, If the public does not want EZ - Pass why are they going ahead with it? Personally, I would rather have the 50% discount using tokens, I don't have a problem stopping to drop them or give them to a toll taker or stopping to buy new ones. I think the issue with having both is that if they offer the 50% discount with tokens many will not use EZ-Pass & the costs to run EZ-Pass will be prohibitive on top of the discount of 30% with EZ-Pass & the 50% discount with tokens. I think it should be one or the other & just end it. I have not seen this much flip flopping since Kerry ran for president, just make a decision.

06-03-2005, 03:02 PM	#40
Gatto Nero Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Isola Gatto Nero Posts: 697 Thanks: 162 Thanked 263 Times in 81 Posts	No EZ Pass for Bike Week :( Too bad the EZ-Pass system won't be ready for Bike Week. Stopping to pay a toll is always a pain on a bike, tokens or no. EZ Pass would save lots of line time for the bikers and all those unfortunate enough to get stuck behind them. __________________ La vita è buona su Isola Gatto Nero

06-06-2005, 07:49 AM	#42
jimbob1603 Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 71 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Jeez ..... looks like I'll have to purchase another transponder. I've quite a collection of these things; each state only discounts their own issue. I guess the good news is that tokens will be good, with a 50% discount, for a few more years.

06-06-2005, 04:03 PM	#44
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,206 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	more than one............... My buddy has more than one transponder as he is a salesman from Maine to Florida. He has these alluminum foil pouches that he puts his transponders in. That way he only has the transponder he needs outside of it's pouch and get charge on that transponder only. neat. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.