USA Toll Transponder Interoperability - 2024 edition

Started by SSOWorld, February 04, 2024, 10:14:40 AM

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vdeane

Quote from: ElishaGOtis on December 06, 2024, 11:44:12 AMInteresting that this is occurring. I would have placed my bets on either one becoming E-ZPass members before agreement-based interoperability.
I'm also not sure I've ever heard of one-way interoperability occurring.  The closest was when E-ZPass was becoming interoperable with agencies that had sticker tags and E-ZPass agencies could only read the hard-case transponders.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.


Joe The Dragon

Quote from: vdeane on December 05, 2024, 08:17:00 PM
Quote from: hwyfan on December 05, 2024, 03:31:08 PM
Quote from: hwyfan on September 25, 2024, 08:29:57 PMWill the new Gordie Howe Bridge across the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor accept E-ZPass for tolls? 

I'm concerned that the Canadians might go instead with a proprietary or Canada-run 6c system like Connexion instead.  Connexion is used at the Port Huron and Sault Ste Marie bridges on I-96 and I-75. 

An article in the Windsor Star today suggests that the Gordie Howe International Bridge will have both dedicated ETC tolling lanes and accept E-ZPass.

https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/gordie-howe-bridge-to-offer-pre-paid-tolls-to-keep-vehicles-moving

Gordie Howe International Bridge users will be able to set up a payment account ahead of their trip, place an electronic tag on their vehicles, and cross through a toll booth in seconds. The funds will be automatically withdrawn from their account, said Heather Grondin, chief relations officer with the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority.

[...]

"Once we open, vehicles will be able to travel from Montreal to Florida without ever having to stop at a traffic light."



Am I missing something?  I didn't see a mention of E-ZPass specifically.  It certainly would be nice though.  Having a major US/Canada bridge take E-ZPass might be the critical mass needed to make more inroads into Michigan.

will they take ERT 407 pass?
But for ERT 407 to go ezpass may not happen as they will lose there high rent fees.

Rothman

I find myself in the possible position of obtaining a PIKEPASS (OTA's capitalization) next year. :/

Interoperability Now!
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

SSOWorld

Quote from: ElishaGOtis on December 06, 2024, 11:44:12 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on December 05, 2024, 08:06:23 PMhttps://thetollroads.com/news/newsroom/press-releases/transportation-corridor-agencies-november-2024-board-meeting-highlights/

North Texas Tollway Authority Interoperability Agreement from TCA...



Interesting that this is occurring. I would have placed my bets on either one becoming E-ZPass members before agreement-based interoperability.

With ISTHA transitioning to stickers, I sense that the TX/OK/KS method is becoming the norm. (NC and GA stickers are compatible with E-ZPass also)
Scott O.

Not all who wander are lost...
Ah, the open skies, wind at my back, warm sun on my... wait, where the hell am I?!
As a matter of fact, I do own the road.
Raise your what?

Wisconsin - out-multiplexing your state since 1918.

kalvado

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 11, 2024, 07:03:02 AM
Quote from: ElishaGOtis on December 06, 2024, 11:44:12 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on December 05, 2024, 08:06:23 PMhttps://thetollroads.com/news/newsroom/press-releases/transportation-corridor-agencies-november-2024-board-meeting-highlights/

North Texas Tollway Authority Interoperability Agreement from TCA...



Interesting that this is occurring. I would have placed my bets on either one becoming E-ZPass members before agreement-based interoperability.

With ISTHA transitioning to stickers, I sense that the TX/OK/KS method is becoming the norm. (NC and GA stickers are compatible with E-ZPass also)
It's pretty much a single standard for stickers by now, and EZpass agencies are upgrading to multistandard readers. From that point it's about legal side of things.
I wonder if some EZpass agencies are holding up the process. Looks like switch to ORT on NY Thruway, for example, was also about equipment upgrade.
 

Molandfreak

Switchable transponders are necessary if you live in an area with HOT lanes, and you don't want to pay for the HOT lanes when carpooling.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 05, 2023, 08:24:57 PMAASHTO attributes 28.5% of highway inventory shrink to bad road fan social media posts.

1995hoo

Quote from: Molandfreak on December 19, 2024, 02:31:12 AMSwitchable transponders are necessary if you live in an area with HOT lanes, and you don't want to pay for the HOT lanes when carpooling.

There are apparently some agencies that attempt to accomplish the same functionality with the sticker tags by allowing you to go into their app to switch it to HOV mode. It's a less user-friendly option than the switchable device because I believe you have to do it at least 15 minutes in advance, whereas with the switchable device you can do it on the spur of the moment (e.g., you decide to take a different route when the radio says there was a big wreck on the road you were going to use).

I'm being somewhat vague because I have not experienced the other system firsthand, just read about it online. Ms1995hoo and I have two E-ZPass Flex transponders on our account, so I'm quite familiar with the switchable variant.
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

hwyfan

Quote from: vdeane on December 05, 2024, 08:17:00 PM
Quote from: hwyfan on December 05, 2024, 03:31:08 PM
Quote from: hwyfan on September 25, 2024, 08:29:57 PMWill the new Gordie Howe Bridge across the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor accept E-ZPass for tolls? 

I'm concerned that the Canadians might go instead with a proprietary or Canada-run 6c system like Connexion instead.  Connexion is used at the Port Huron and Sault Ste Marie bridges on I-96 and I-75. 

An article in the Windsor Star today suggests that the Gordie Howe International Bridge will have both dedicated ETC tolling lanes and accept E-ZPass.

https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/gordie-howe-bridge-to-offer-pre-paid-tolls-to-keep-vehicles-moving

Gordie Howe International Bridge users will be able to set up a payment account ahead of their trip, place an electronic tag on their vehicles, and cross through a toll booth in seconds. The funds will be automatically withdrawn from their account, said Heather Grondin, chief relations officer with the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority.

[...]

"Once we open, vehicles will be able to travel from Montreal to Florida without ever having to stop at a traffic light."



Am I missing something?  I didn't see a mention of E-ZPass specifically.  It certainly would be nice though.  Having a major US/Canada bridge take E-ZPass might be the critical mass needed to make more inroads into Michigan.

I may have jumped to conclusions here as communications with the WDBA have been evasive as to what their ETC system plans are. 

Great Lakes Roads

-Jay Seaburg

Rothman

#109
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on December 22, 2024, 06:38:29 PMhttps://www.ambassadorbridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Posting-for-January-1-2025-Toll-Increase.pdf

E-Z Pass is coming to the Ambassador Bridge in early 2025...

*hums "Desperado"*

Amazing what a little competition causes.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

vdeane

Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

ran4sh

Quote from: Molandfreak on December 19, 2024, 02:31:12 AMSwitchable transponders are necessary if you live in an area with HOT lanes, and you don't want to pay for the HOT lanes when carpooling.

Georgia and North Carolina prove this to be false.
Center lane merges are the most unsafe thing ever, especially for unfamiliar drivers.

Control cities should be actual cities/places that travelers are trying to reach.

Travel Mapping - Most Traveled: I-40, 20, 10, 5, 95 - Longest Clinched: I-20, 85, 24, 16, NJ Tpk mainline
Champions - UGA FB '21 '22 - Atlanta Braves '95 '21 - Atlanta MLS '18

ran4sh

Quote from: Rothman on December 08, 2024, 10:16:11 PMI find myself in the possible position of obtaining a PIKEPASS (OTA's capitalization) next year. :/

Interoperability Now!

Currently SunPass (FL) is interoperable with both E-ZPass and PikePass
Center lane merges are the most unsafe thing ever, especially for unfamiliar drivers.

Control cities should be actual cities/places that travelers are trying to reach.

Travel Mapping - Most Traveled: I-40, 20, 10, 5, 95 - Longest Clinched: I-20, 85, 24, 16, NJ Tpk mainline
Champions - UGA FB '21 '22 - Atlanta Braves '95 '21 - Atlanta MLS '18

ran4sh

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 19, 2024, 07:44:42 AM
Quote from: Molandfreak on December 19, 2024, 02:31:12 AMSwitchable transponders are necessary if you live in an area with HOT lanes, and you don't want to pay for the HOT lanes when carpooling.

There are apparently some agencies that attempt to accomplish the same functionality with the sticker tags by allowing you to go into their app to switch it to HOV mode. It's a less user-friendly option than the switchable device because I believe you have to do it at least 15 minutes in advance, whereas with the switchable device you can do it on the spur of the moment (e.g., you decide to take a different route when the radio says there was a big wreck on the road you were going to use).

I'm being somewhat vague because I have not experienced the other system firsthand, just read about it online. Ms1995hoo and I have two E-ZPass Flex transponders on our account, so I'm quite familiar with the switchable variant.

Yeah this is mostly correct, in Georgia the HOV toll exemption is implemented this way.

In the case of not knowing whether you will use the express lanes or not, the key is to set your mode based on # of passengers in your vehicle regardless of your planned route, so that whether you use the lanes or not you are in the correct mode. I.e. I have 3 people in my car today and I might or might not use the express lane, but I'll set it to HOV anyway just in case. (And if it's not a regular occurrence then I'll set the expiration to be in like 1 hour or 1 day, so that next time when I don't qualify for HOV I'm not accidentally in the wrong mode)
Center lane merges are the most unsafe thing ever, especially for unfamiliar drivers.

Control cities should be actual cities/places that travelers are trying to reach.

Travel Mapping - Most Traveled: I-40, 20, 10, 5, 95 - Longest Clinched: I-20, 85, 24, 16, NJ Tpk mainline
Champions - UGA FB '21 '22 - Atlanta Braves '95 '21 - Atlanta MLS '18

I-55

Fun story from tonight with a few interesting observations. Driving home in my parents' van from NC we were taking the WV Turnpike. I got to the Ghent plaza with my $4.25 in hand to give the attendant. I stick my hand out the window and the attendant tells me "it read your pass," which made me confused. Then I remembered:

Back in 2017 we went to Orlando and got a SunPass mini for our van while we were in Florida. At the time, SunPass was only compatible in FL, NC, and GA. My dad either lost or deleted his account info sometime in years past, but never deactivated his account. Never thought much of it, as we still received pay by plate on the Ohio River bridges in Louisville up until last year. Again, not a red flag because RiverLink is notorious for late invoices.

So now we had the problem of a transponder that was reading in WV to an account nobody knew the info to. Thankfully I was able to help my parents regain their account info (I have I-Pass, so I'm used to toll authority customer service, although the SunPass website and app are a pain in the butt compared to Illinois Tollway). I knew SunPass was interoperable with the E-ZPass states but didn't remember we had it, and thankfully SunPass has only been compatible for a couple years so our balance hadn't fully depleted.

Here's the kicker: SunPass mini supposedly doesn't work in the traditional E-ZPass states (SunPass PRO does. The map can be found on the SunPass Wikipedia page or Sunpass.com). However, since this is the 4th toll plaza in a row that it's worked in either WV or IN/KY (I-65), I'd say that needs revisited. There are people on Reddit who've mentioned getting their SunPass mini billed in NJ and ME, so maybe Florida doesn't know the full extent of their interoperability???
Transportation Engineer
Let's Go Purdue Basketball Whoosh

vdeane

Quote from: I-55 on December 27, 2024, 10:28:15 PMHere's the kicker: SunPass mini supposedly doesn't work in the traditional E-ZPass states (SunPass PRO does. The map can be found on the SunPass Wikipedia page or Sunpass.com). However, since this is the 4th toll plaza in a row that it's worked in either WV or IN/KY (I-65), I'd say that needs revisited. There are people on Reddit who've mentioned getting their SunPass mini billed in NJ and ME, so maybe Florida doesn't know the full extent of their interoperability???
Illinois is now only issuing sticker transponders, so it probably works just fine most everywhere now.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

I-55

Quote from: vdeane on December 28, 2024, 02:09:17 PM
Quote from: I-55 on December 27, 2024, 10:28:15 PMHere's the kicker: SunPass mini supposedly doesn't work in the traditional E-ZPass states (SunPass PRO does. The map can be found on the SunPass Wikipedia page or Sunpass.com). However, since this is the 4th toll plaza in a row that it's worked in either WV or IN/KY (I-65), I'd say that needs revisited. There are people on Reddit who've mentioned getting their SunPass mini billed in NJ and ME, so maybe Florida doesn't know the full extent of their interoperability???
Illinois is now only issuing sticker transponders, so it probably works just fine most everywhere now.

Today it worked at Chelyan but not Pax, WV may be behind on tech, idk.
Transportation Engineer
Let's Go Purdue Basketball Whoosh

kalvado

Quote from: vdeane on December 28, 2024, 02:09:17 PM
Quote from: I-55 on December 27, 2024, 10:28:15 PMHere's the kicker: SunPass mini supposedly doesn't work in the traditional E-ZPass states (SunPass PRO does. The map can be found on the SunPass Wikipedia page or Sunpass.com). However, since this is the 4th toll plaza in a row that it's worked in either WV or IN/KY (I-65), I'd say that needs revisited. There are people on Reddit who've mentioned getting their SunPass mini billed in NJ and ME, so maybe Florida doesn't know the full extent of their interoperability???
Illinois is now only issuing sticker transponders, so it probably works just fine most everywhere now.
One interesting question.. E-ZPass discrimination was legal with "because you can have many and swap them" court decision.
Stickers cannot be removed and reapplied....

ElishaGOtis

Quote from: I-55 on December 28, 2024, 04:13:05 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 28, 2024, 02:09:17 PM
Quote from: I-55 on December 27, 2024, 10:28:15 PMHere's the kicker: SunPass mini supposedly doesn't work in the traditional E-ZPass states (SunPass PRO does. The map can be found on the SunPass Wikipedia page or Sunpass.com). However, since this is the 4th toll plaza in a row that it's worked in either WV or IN/KY (I-65), I'd say that needs revisited. There are people on Reddit who've mentioned getting their SunPass mini billed in NJ and ME, so maybe Florida doesn't know the full extent of their interoperability???
Illinois is now only issuing sticker transponders, so it probably works just fine most everywhere now.

Today it worked at Chelyan but not Pax, WV may be behind on tech, idk.

Maybe it's that the sticker isn't effectively "guaranteed" to work everywhere E-ZPass is accepted, but the PRO is effectively "guaranteed" to work?
I can drive 55 ONLY when it makes sense.

NOTE: Opinions expressed here on AARoads are solely my own and do not represent or reflect the statements, opinions, or decisions of any agency. Any official information I share will be quoted from another source.

I-55

Quote from: ElishaGOtis on December 28, 2024, 07:04:05 PM
Quote from: I-55 on December 28, 2024, 04:13:05 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 28, 2024, 02:09:17 PM
Quote from: I-55 on December 27, 2024, 10:28:15 PMHere's the kicker: SunPass mini supposedly doesn't work in the traditional E-ZPass states (SunPass PRO does. The map can be found on the SunPass Wikipedia page or Sunpass.com). However, since this is the 4th toll plaza in a row that it's worked in either WV or IN/KY (I-65), I'd say that needs revisited. There are people on Reddit who've mentioned getting their SunPass mini billed in NJ and ME, so maybe Florida doesn't know the full extent of their interoperability???
Illinois is now only issuing sticker transponders, so it probably works just fine most everywhere now.

Today it worked at Chelyan but not Pax, WV may be behind on tech, idk.

Maybe it's that the sticker isn't effectively "guaranteed" to work everywhere E-ZPass is accepted, but the PRO is effectively "guaranteed" to work?

It seems that the states where the map says the mini works are all states that issue sticker tags. Since RiverLink issues stickers, the Louisville bridges have been fine. It's the toll roads that don't issue stickers that likely have harder times reading stickers that the issue lies.
Transportation Engineer
Let's Go Purdue Basketball Whoosh

ran4sh

Quote from: I-55 on December 28, 2024, 08:58:57 PM
Quote from: ElishaGOtis on December 28, 2024, 07:04:05 PM
Quote from: I-55 on December 28, 2024, 04:13:05 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 28, 2024, 02:09:17 PM
Quote from: I-55 on December 27, 2024, 10:28:15 PMHere's the kicker: SunPass mini supposedly doesn't work in the traditional E-ZPass states (SunPass PRO does. The map can be found on the SunPass Wikipedia page or Sunpass.com). However, since this is the 4th toll plaza in a row that it's worked in either WV or IN/KY (I-65), I'd say that needs revisited. There are people on Reddit who've mentioned getting their SunPass mini billed in NJ and ME, so maybe Florida doesn't know the full extent of their interoperability???
Illinois is now only issuing sticker transponders, so it probably works just fine most everywhere now.

Today it worked at Chelyan but not Pax, WV may be behind on tech, idk.

Maybe it's that the sticker isn't effectively "guaranteed" to work everywhere E-ZPass is accepted, but the PRO is effectively "guaranteed" to work?

It seems that the states where the map says the mini works are all states that issue sticker tags. Since RiverLink issues stickers, the Louisville bridges have been fine. It's the toll roads that don't issue stickers that likely have harder times reading stickers that the issue lies.

I think it's just that SunPass has failed to update the map of where sticker SunPass is accepted. Peach Pass (Georgia) updated their map in two stages when becoming interoperable with E-ZPass - they originally specified just the states that are known to accept stickers, but now they specify all E-ZPass states, implying that E-ZPass everywhere can now accept stickers.
Center lane merges are the most unsafe thing ever, especially for unfamiliar drivers.

Control cities should be actual cities/places that travelers are trying to reach.

Travel Mapping - Most Traveled: I-40, 20, 10, 5, 95 - Longest Clinched: I-20, 85, 24, 16, NJ Tpk mainline
Champions - UGA FB '21 '22 - Atlanta Braves '95 '21 - Atlanta MLS '18

kalvado

Quote from: ran4sh on December 28, 2024, 09:04:43 PM
Quote from: I-55 on December 28, 2024, 08:58:57 PM
Quote from: ElishaGOtis on December 28, 2024, 07:04:05 PM
Quote from: I-55 on December 28, 2024, 04:13:05 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 28, 2024, 02:09:17 PM
Quote from: I-55 on December 27, 2024, 10:28:15 PMHere's the kicker: SunPass mini supposedly doesn't work in the traditional E-ZPass states (SunPass PRO does. The map can be found on the SunPass Wikipedia page or Sunpass.com). However, since this is the 4th toll plaza in a row that it's worked in either WV or IN/KY (I-65), I'd say that needs revisited. There are people on Reddit who've mentioned getting their SunPass mini billed in NJ and ME, so maybe Florida doesn't know the full extent of their interoperability???
Illinois is now only issuing sticker transponders, so it probably works just fine most everywhere now.

Today it worked at Chelyan but not Pax, WV may be behind on tech, idk.

Maybe it's that the sticker isn't effectively "guaranteed" to work everywhere E-ZPass is accepted, but the PRO is effectively "guaranteed" to work?

It seems that the states where the map says the mini works are all states that issue sticker tags. Since RiverLink issues stickers, the Louisville bridges have been fine. It's the toll roads that don't issue stickers that likely have harder times reading stickers that the issue lies.

I think it's just that SunPass has failed to update the map of where sticker SunPass is accepted. Peach Pass (Georgia) updated their map in two stages when becoming interoperable with E-ZPass - they originally specified just the states that are known to accept stickers, but now they specify all E-ZPass states, implying that E-ZPass everywhere can now accept stickers.
Can be license plate lookup as a fallback option.

vdeane

Quote from: I-55 on December 28, 2024, 08:58:57 PMIt seems that the states where the map says the mini works are all states that issue sticker tags.
Minus Illinois...
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

hwyfan

As you probably know, TxDOT recently sunsetted the TxTag brand of transponders and transferred operations of the associated TxTag accounts to HCTRA.

Does this move now affect the ability of SunPass Pro to work at facilities in Texas (such as in the Austin area) that were previously TxTag (and not NTTA Tolltag, nor HCTRA E-ZTag) only? 

HCTRA has not yet made arrangements for interoperability between Houston area E-ZTag facilities and Florida SunPass.   



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