Mackinac Bridge congestion

[Molandfreak]

I'm further away from any E-ZPass tolling location outside of Minnesota than most people in the lower peninsula of Michigan are from E-ZPass locations in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. I used to have four separate transponder accounts for I-Pass, MNPass, ExpressToll, and K-Tag because transponders do make a difference, either to save time by not having to stop at a toll booth, breezing through heavy traffic in the HOT lane, or to save money and time by not having to pay as much attention to bill-by-mail toll charges with an extra photo fee. I know many other Minnesotans who closed their I-Pass accounts when the HOT lanes in the cities began taking E-ZPass. It's a lot more convenient to have only two of these accounts to replenish and replace my debit card information in when it expires. I do realize that I am not the average traveller, but plenty of Minnesotans had both I-Pass and MNPass accounts before the switch was made since it isn't that far to Illinois, and there are no monthly fees if you want to get a transponder for occasional use.

In the past ten years, I have visited four tolling locations where I needed to do something other than use one of my transponders: the Fort Frances International Bridge and the Sault Ste Marie International Bridge, the former of which only takes cash and the latter of which I would have had to set up a new account to get yet another transponder; the 407 ETR which has its own transponder with a monthly fee; and... the Mackinac Bridge, which I have crossed a total of five times in the past ten years. Was it a big deal to pay cash at the Mac? No, partly because the only times I've needed to cross have been in the winter and there were only a couple of vehicles ahead in line. Would I have appreciated the option to just use E-ZPass? Yes, especially after the first crossing. If I would ever need to make the trip during peak traffic, I would appreciate it even more—even if I had to wait in a line for the toll lanes to widen.

[Rothman]

Maybe MI just wants to keep the bridge congested, then.

[vdeane]

I don't see who would be helped by having an EZ-Pass in a state that doesn't have toll roads. We have a few toll bridges in Michigan but they are so far and few in between that it's rather pointless to have a transponder.

Thinking about this, it reminds me a lot of the attitude my parents had towards E-ZPass, prior to the switch to AET on the Thruway "forcing" them to get it (Dad doesn't do bill by mail; I probably inherited my attitude towards that method of payment from him).  As far as they were concerned, "we only drive the 44-45 section, and only a few times per year, why should we get it?".  Meanwhile, they would often be annoyed waiting in line to pay the toll, especially when returning home, and whenever they'd ride with me (or on the rare occasion drive my car), they were always impressed with how convenient it was.  Not to mention, despite joking that the initial $25 balance was enough to last them the rest of their lives, they've auto-replenished at least once, because despite "only driving the 44-45 section, and only a few times per year", Mom drove to Niagara Falls, both Mom and Dad to a daytrip to Auburn last year, and Mom visited me in Albany when I had my wisdom teeth taken out, so their actual utilization is higher than they would initially assume.

That might put some pressure on the 407 ETR to join EZ Pass as well.

One can only hope, although I think the ETR might be stubborn in that respect.

[Flint1979]

And when I came back Southbound yesterday there wasn't a problem at all. Both lanes were open and the traffic was moving fine.

[SEWIGuy]

And when I came back Southbound yesterday there wasn't a problem at all. Both lanes were open and the traffic was moving fine.

Then it must all have been an illusion before. Traffic back ups? What traffic back ups?

When I can through on a random Tuesday afternoon, it was fine!

[Flint1979]

When I was crossing Northbound yesterday since I see my post didn't post. It was fine at first, then when you got to the suspension part of the bridge it narrowed down to one lane and it was a little slow going through there but not stopped at all. Then after the suspension part the second lane opened back up and people were able to pass. Then get up to the toll booth and I was the 2nd car in line, the other lanes had three cars. Having 2-3 cars at a toll booth is not congestion.

[Flint1979]

And when I came back Southbound yesterday there wasn't a problem at all. Both lanes were open and the traffic was moving fine.

Then it must all have been an illusion before. Traffic back ups? What traffic back ups?

When I can through on a random Tuesday afternoon, it was fine!

I watch the Mackinac Bridge cams a lot and it's not a new thing for traffic backups going North on Friday and going South on Sunday in Michigan. I've gone through on a Friday in the summer before and it was just as fine.

Here's what does it, truck traffic can only move at 20 mph and when you get stuck behind one of those in one lane traffic you know what happens. With both lanes open you can pass and do the 45 mph speed limit.

[GaryV]

I watch the Mackinac Bridge cams a lot and it's not a new thing for traffic backups going North on Friday and going South on Sunday in Michigan.

Which also happens on many of the freeways - I-75, US-23, US-127, etc. It's not a toll thing, it's a "Going Up North" thing.

Yes the toll booths slow it down more than if they weren't there. But savvy travelers expect some slowdowns on weekends and holidays, and they plan ahead.

The theme of this thread has been that the delays are because of the tolls because there's no EZPass. While that contributes, it's not the primary cause.

[Flint1979]

I watch the Mackinac Bridge cams a lot and it's not a new thing for traffic backups going North on Friday and going South on Sunday in Michigan.

Which also happens on many of the freeways - I-75, US-23, US-127, etc. It's not a toll thing, it's a "Going Up North" thing.

Yes the toll booths slow it down more than if they weren't there. But savvy travelers expect some slowdowns on weekends and holidays, and they plan ahead.

The theme of this thread has been that the delays are because of the tolls because there's no EZPass. While that contributes, it's not the primary cause.

Yep all of them have traffic on the weekends going up and coming back. For about 80 miles between Grayling and the bridge you have Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing traffic all running on one highway. Grand Rapids traffic would come in with Lansing traffic on US-127 since i believe the cut over to I-75 would be M-55. So you have anyone that is going up North from 3 of the top 7 largest cities in the state that is going to add a lot of traffic. Grand Rapids traffic though has some alternates you could use probably getting to I-75 around the Gaylord area at the furthest North unless they would run US-31 between Petoskey and Mackinaw City but that route is of course slower.

The toll booths have never really been the cause of any backups on the bridge or leading up to the bridge. There is no need for EZ-Pass on the Mackinac Bridge and the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

And as far as using it in states that have toll roads as a Michigan resident, there is no reason for anyone living in Michigan to use the Indiana Toll Road or Ohio Turnpike (until you get east of Cleveland) except for those people maybe living close to the border. OH-2 is the route to use going to Cleveland and I-94 is the route to Chicago so no need for anyone living in Michigan to have one. Once you are in the Chicago area it's a little tricky but still toll roads there are avoidable as well. And as far as the Liberty Bridge in Bay City accepting EZ-Pass, that might be the case but how many people living in the Bay City area actually have an EZ-Pass? I doubt it's many because it's a new thing and no other toll facility in the area has it.

[Flint1979]

Here's an article from WRKR 107.7 Kalamazoo's Classic Rock station.

https://wrkr.com/hate-long-lines-at-the-mackinac-bridge-blame-credit-card-users/

[hobsini2]

I watch the Mackinac Bridge cams a lot and it's not a new thing for traffic backups going North on Friday and going South on Sunday in Michigan.

Which also happens on many of the freeways - I-75, US-23, US-127, etc. It's not a toll thing, it's a "Going Up North" thing.

Yes the toll booths slow it down more than if they weren't there. But savvy travelers expect some slowdowns on weekends and holidays, and they plan ahead.

The theme of this thread has been that the delays are because of the tolls because there's no EZPass. While that contributes, it's not the primary cause.

Yep all of them have traffic on the weekends going up and coming back. For about 80 miles between Grayling and the bridge you have Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing traffic all running on one highway. Grand Rapids traffic would come in with Lansing traffic on US-127 since i believe the cut over to I-75 would be M-55. So you have anyone that is going up North from 3 of the top 7 largest cities in the state that is going to add a lot of traffic. Grand Rapids traffic though has some alternates you could use probably getting to I-75 around the Gaylord area at the furthest North unless they would run US-31 between Petoskey and Mackinaw City but that route is of course slower.

The toll booths have never really been the cause of any backups on the bridge or leading up to the bridge. There is no need for EZ-Pass on the Mackinac Bridge and the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

And as far as using it in states that have toll roads as a Michigan resident, there is no reason for anyone living in Michigan to use the Indiana Toll Road or Ohio Turnpike (until you get east of Cleveland) except for those people maybe living close to the border. OH-2 is the route to use going to Cleveland and I-94 is the route to Chicago so no need for anyone living in Michigan to have one. Once you are in the Chicago area it's a little tricky but still toll roads there are avoidable as well. And as far as the Liberty Bridge in Bay City accepting EZ-Pass, that might be the case but how many people living in the Bay City area actually have an EZ-Pass? I doubt it's many because it's a new thing and no other toll facility in the area has it.

So just so I am clear on your reasoning. Michigan residents would have no use for an EZ-Pass or compatible system on the Mackinaw Bridge because there are shunpikes to avoid 80/90 in Indiana and Ohio. Is that the basics? Granted, I love to use Ohio 2 to avoid the Ohio Tpk. But it's not as quick as the Turnpike.

[SEWIGuy]

The toll booths have never really been the cause of any backups on the bridge or leading up to the bridge. There is no need for EZ-Pass on the Mackinac Bridge and the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

Really? Because that's not what this article says...you know...the one you linked to.

Here's an article from WRKR 107.7 Kalamazoo's Classic Rock station.

https://wrkr.com/hate-long-lines-at-the-mackinac-bridge-blame-credit-card-users/

[SEWIGuy]

I watch the Mackinac Bridge cams a lot and it's not a new thing for traffic backups going North on Friday and going South on Sunday in Michigan.

Which also happens on many of the freeways - I-75, US-23, US-127, etc. It's not a toll thing, it's a "Going Up North" thing.

Yes the toll booths slow it down more than if they weren't there. But savvy travelers expect some slowdowns on weekends and holidays, and they plan ahead.

The theme of this thread has been that the delays are because of the tolls because there's no EZPass. While that contributes, it's not the primary cause.

Yep all of them have traffic on the weekends going up and coming back. For about 80 miles between Grayling and the bridge you have Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing traffic all running on one highway. Grand Rapids traffic would come in with Lansing traffic on US-127 since i believe the cut over to I-75 would be M-55. So you have anyone that is going up North from 3 of the top 7 largest cities in the state that is going to add a lot of traffic. Grand Rapids traffic though has some alternates you could use probably getting to I-75 around the Gaylord area at the furthest North unless they would run US-31 between Petoskey and Mackinaw City but that route is of course slower.

The toll booths have never really been the cause of any backups on the bridge or leading up to the bridge. There is no need for EZ-Pass on the Mackinac Bridge and the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

And as far as using it in states that have toll roads as a Michigan resident, there is no reason for anyone living in Michigan to use the Indiana Toll Road or Ohio Turnpike (until you get east of Cleveland) except for those people maybe living close to the border. OH-2 is the route to use going to Cleveland and I-94 is the route to Chicago so no need for anyone living in Michigan to have one. Once you are in the Chicago area it's a little tricky but still toll roads there are avoidable as well. And as far as the Liberty Bridge in Bay City accepting EZ-Pass, that might be the case but how many people living in the Bay City area actually have an EZ-Pass? I doubt it's many because it's a new thing and no other toll facility in the area has it.

So just so I am clear on your reasoning. Michigan residents would have no use for an EZ-Pass or compatible system on the Mackinaw Bridge because there are shunpikes to avoid 80/90 in Indiana and Ohio. Is that the basics? Granted, I love to use Ohio 2 to avoid the Ohio Tpk. But it's not as quick as the Turnpike.

Flint is being incredibly obstinate. Of course there is reason for Michigan residents to use the ITR or Ohio Turnpike. I have seen PLENTY of Michigan plates on both - not to mention all over the tollways around Chicago. And it of course makes sense to make Mac Pass compatible with EZ Pass. What is the harm? Maybe some up front costs? It would make the lives of Michigan residents easier.

His arguments are silly and illogical.

[Flint1979]

I watch the Mackinac Bridge cams a lot and it's not a new thing for traffic backups going North on Friday and going South on Sunday in Michigan.

Which also happens on many of the freeways - I-75, US-23, US-127, etc. It's not a toll thing, it's a "Going Up North" thing.

Yes the toll booths slow it down more than if they weren't there. But savvy travelers expect some slowdowns on weekends and holidays, and they plan ahead.

The theme of this thread has been that the delays are because of the tolls because there's no EZPass. While that contributes, it's not the primary cause.

Yep all of them have traffic on the weekends going up and coming back. For about 80 miles between Grayling and the bridge you have Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing traffic all running on one highway. Grand Rapids traffic would come in with Lansing traffic on US-127 since i believe the cut over to I-75 would be M-55. So you have anyone that is going up North from 3 of the top 7 largest cities in the state that is going to add a lot of traffic. Grand Rapids traffic though has some alternates you could use probably getting to I-75 around the Gaylord area at the furthest North unless they would run US-31 between Petoskey and Mackinaw City but that route is of course slower.

The toll booths have never really been the cause of any backups on the bridge or leading up to the bridge. There is no need for EZ-Pass on the Mackinac Bridge and the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

And as far as using it in states that have toll roads as a Michigan resident, there is no reason for anyone living in Michigan to use the Indiana Toll Road or Ohio Turnpike (until you get east of Cleveland) except for those people maybe living close to the border. OH-2 is the route to use going to Cleveland and I-94 is the route to Chicago so no need for anyone living in Michigan to have one. Once you are in the Chicago area it's a little tricky but still toll roads there are avoidable as well. And as far as the Liberty Bridge in Bay City accepting EZ-Pass, that might be the case but how many people living in the Bay City area actually have an EZ-Pass? I doubt it's many because it's a new thing and no other toll facility in the area has it.

So just so I am clear on your reasoning. Michigan residents would have no use for an EZ-Pass or compatible system on the Mackinaw Bridge because there are shunpikes to avoid 80/90 in Indiana and Ohio. Is that the basics? Granted, I love to use Ohio 2 to avoid the Ohio Tpk. But it's not as quick as the Turnpike.

No we wouldn't and that isn't the reason. The reason is because there is no place to use EZ-Pass, we don't have toll roads here, a few toll bridges here and there isn't a reason to get it or for those bridges to use it when not very many of the vehicles crossing the toll bridges have EZ-Pass. It's already been figured out by a bridge worker that credit card users are the reason for the congestion at the toll plaza if there is congestion.

[Molandfreak]

the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

Many from outside the forum have:
https://x.com/gasbuddyguy/status/1675321390877089792?s=46&t=XdKh7ZDmCSJQHQso79oQ8Q
https://www.facebook.com/share/UxU5SHKxvix3Nfce/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/yzV5MaxCFXPTwY3f/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Makes me think this is about nothing more than corporate greed and control. They just want your $87!

[Flint1979]

I watch the Mackinac Bridge cams a lot and it's not a new thing for traffic backups going North on Friday and going South on Sunday in Michigan.

Which also happens on many of the freeways - I-75, US-23, US-127, etc. It's not a toll thing, it's a "Going Up North" thing.

Yes the toll booths slow it down more than if they weren't there. But savvy travelers expect some slowdowns on weekends and holidays, and they plan ahead.

The theme of this thread has been that the delays are because of the tolls because there's no EZPass. While that contributes, it's not the primary cause.

Yep all of them have traffic on the weekends going up and coming back. For about 80 miles between Grayling and the bridge you have Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing traffic all running on one highway. Grand Rapids traffic would come in with Lansing traffic on US-127 since i believe the cut over to I-75 would be M-55. So you have anyone that is going up North from 3 of the top 7 largest cities in the state that is going to add a lot of traffic. Grand Rapids traffic though has some alternates you could use probably getting to I-75 around the Gaylord area at the furthest North unless they would run US-31 between Petoskey and Mackinaw City but that route is of course slower.

The toll booths have never really been the cause of any backups on the bridge or leading up to the bridge. There is no need for EZ-Pass on the Mackinac Bridge and the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

And as far as using it in states that have toll roads as a Michigan resident, there is no reason for anyone living in Michigan to use the Indiana Toll Road or Ohio Turnpike (until you get east of Cleveland) except for those people maybe living close to the border. OH-2 is the route to use going to Cleveland and I-94 is the route to Chicago so no need for anyone living in Michigan to have one. Once you are in the Chicago area it's a little tricky but still toll roads there are avoidable as well. And as far as the Liberty Bridge in Bay City accepting EZ-Pass, that might be the case but how many people living in the Bay City area actually have an EZ-Pass? I doubt it's many because it's a new thing and no other toll facility in the area has it.

So just so I am clear on your reasoning. Michigan residents would have no use for an EZ-Pass or compatible system on the Mackinaw Bridge because there are shunpikes to avoid 80/90 in Indiana and Ohio. Is that the basics? Granted, I love to use Ohio 2 to avoid the Ohio Tpk. But it's not as quick as the Turnpike.

Flint is being incredibly obstinate. Of course there is reason for Michigan residents to use the ITR or Ohio Turnpike. I have seen PLENTY of Michigan plates on both - not to mention all over the tollways around Chicago. And it of course makes sense to make Mac Pass compatible with EZ Pass. What is the harm? Maybe some up front costs? It would make the lives of Michigan residents easier.

His arguments are silly and illogical.

Not with alternate routes to use there isn't. And of course you've seen Michigan plates on the ITR and Ohio Turnpike and the Chicago area since Michigan is within a few miles of both toll roads and within an hour of Chicago. What's the point in doing it when very few of the Mackinac Bridge passengers have it? That's one of the reason's they don't have it. And yes a bridge worker figured out that credit card users are the reason for any backups at the toll plaza. There are only four lanes in each direction with two being for MacPass and two open lanes with an emergency lane and the bridge itself is only four lanes with no room for expansion.

My arguments aren't silly or illogical at all.

[Flint1979]

the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

Many from outside the forum have:
https://x.com/gasbuddyguy/status/1675321390877089792?s=46&t=XdKh7ZDmCSJQHQso79oQ8Q
https://www.facebook.com/share/UxU5SHKxvix3Nfce/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/yzV5MaxCFXPTwY3f/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Makes me think this is about nothing more than corporate greed and control. They just want your $87!

Having EZPass would have done nothing to stop that backup. That was just before the 4th of July on a Saturday afternoon with construction going on and the only way into the U.P. gets backed up, not surprising at all. People complaining about the Mackinac Bridge not having EZPass probably very rarely cross the bridge.

[SEWIGuy]

I watch the Mackinac Bridge cams a lot and it's not a new thing for traffic backups going North on Friday and going South on Sunday in Michigan.

Which also happens on many of the freeways - I-75, US-23, US-127, etc. It's not a toll thing, it's a "Going Up North" thing.

Yes the toll booths slow it down more than if they weren't there. But savvy travelers expect some slowdowns on weekends and holidays, and they plan ahead.

The theme of this thread has been that the delays are because of the tolls because there's no EZPass. While that contributes, it's not the primary cause.

Yep all of them have traffic on the weekends going up and coming back. For about 80 miles between Grayling and the bridge you have Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing traffic all running on one highway. Grand Rapids traffic would come in with Lansing traffic on US-127 since i believe the cut over to I-75 would be M-55. So you have anyone that is going up North from 3 of the top 7 largest cities in the state that is going to add a lot of traffic. Grand Rapids traffic though has some alternates you could use probably getting to I-75 around the Gaylord area at the furthest North unless they would run US-31 between Petoskey and Mackinaw City but that route is of course slower.

The toll booths have never really been the cause of any backups on the bridge or leading up to the bridge. There is no need for EZ-Pass on the Mackinac Bridge and the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

And as far as using it in states that have toll roads as a Michigan resident, there is no reason for anyone living in Michigan to use the Indiana Toll Road or Ohio Turnpike (until you get east of Cleveland) except for those people maybe living close to the border. OH-2 is the route to use going to Cleveland and I-94 is the route to Chicago so no need for anyone living in Michigan to have one. Once you are in the Chicago area it's a little tricky but still toll roads there are avoidable as well. And as far as the Liberty Bridge in Bay City accepting EZ-Pass, that might be the case but how many people living in the Bay City area actually have an EZ-Pass? I doubt it's many because it's a new thing and no other toll facility in the area has it.

So just so I am clear on your reasoning. Michigan residents would have no use for an EZ-Pass or compatible system on the Mackinaw Bridge because there are shunpikes to avoid 80/90 in Indiana and Ohio. Is that the basics? Granted, I love to use Ohio 2 to avoid the Ohio Tpk. But it's not as quick as the Turnpike.

Flint is being incredibly obstinate. Of course there is reason for Michigan residents to use the ITR or Ohio Turnpike. I have seen PLENTY of Michigan plates on both - not to mention all over the tollways around Chicago. And it of course makes sense to make Mac Pass compatible with EZ Pass. What is the harm? Maybe some up front costs? It would make the lives of Michigan residents easier.

His arguments are silly and illogical.

Not with alternate routes to use there isn't. And of course you've seen Michigan plates on the ITR and Ohio Turnpike and the Chicago area since Michigan is within a few miles of both toll roads and within an hour of Chicago. What's the point in doing it when very few of the Mackinac Bridge passengers have it? That's one of the reason's they don't have it. And yes a bridge worker figured out that credit card users are the reason for any backups at the toll plaza. There are only four lanes in each direction with two being for MacPass and two open lanes with an emergency lane and the bridge itself is only four lanes with no room for expansion.

My arguments aren't silly or illogical at all.

Yes they are.

The point in doing it is to encourage more people to get it - which in turn would reduce back ups. Think about this a second. To get a Mac Pass now requires you to pay $88 in deposits and fees. If you only get up there once or twice a season, why would you bother? You would just pay the cash, or put it on your credit card, and be part of the back up problem

But if you ALSO had a pass that would work in Ohio, Indiana and the Chicago area, even if you only go there occasionally, the interoperability makes the purchase much more attractive.

What is the point of NOT doing it if it encourages more people to purchase the product and help to alleviate the back up problem?

[Flint1979]

I watch the Mackinac Bridge cams a lot and it's not a new thing for traffic backups going North on Friday and going South on Sunday in Michigan.

Which also happens on many of the freeways - I-75, US-23, US-127, etc. It's not a toll thing, it's a "Going Up North" thing.

Yes the toll booths slow it down more than if they weren't there. But savvy travelers expect some slowdowns on weekends and holidays, and they plan ahead.

The theme of this thread has been that the delays are because of the tolls because there's no EZPass. While that contributes, it's not the primary cause.

Yep all of them have traffic on the weekends going up and coming back. For about 80 miles between Grayling and the bridge you have Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing traffic all running on one highway. Grand Rapids traffic would come in with Lansing traffic on US-127 since i believe the cut over to I-75 would be M-55. So you have anyone that is going up North from 3 of the top 7 largest cities in the state that is going to add a lot of traffic. Grand Rapids traffic though has some alternates you could use probably getting to I-75 around the Gaylord area at the furthest North unless they would run US-31 between Petoskey and Mackinaw City but that route is of course slower.

The toll booths have never really been the cause of any backups on the bridge or leading up to the bridge. There is no need for EZ-Pass on the Mackinac Bridge and the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

And as far as using it in states that have toll roads as a Michigan resident, there is no reason for anyone living in Michigan to use the Indiana Toll Road or Ohio Turnpike (until you get east of Cleveland) except for those people maybe living close to the border. OH-2 is the route to use going to Cleveland and I-94 is the route to Chicago so no need for anyone living in Michigan to have one. Once you are in the Chicago area it's a little tricky but still toll roads there are avoidable as well. And as far as the Liberty Bridge in Bay City accepting EZ-Pass, that might be the case but how many people living in the Bay City area actually have an EZ-Pass? I doubt it's many because it's a new thing and no other toll facility in the area has it.

So just so I am clear on your reasoning. Michigan residents would have no use for an EZ-Pass or compatible system on the Mackinaw Bridge because there are shunpikes to avoid 80/90 in Indiana and Ohio. Is that the basics? Granted, I love to use Ohio 2 to avoid the Ohio Tpk. But it's not as quick as the Turnpike.

Flint is being incredibly obstinate. Of course there is reason for Michigan residents to use the ITR or Ohio Turnpike. I have seen PLENTY of Michigan plates on both - not to mention all over the tollways around Chicago. And it of course makes sense to make Mac Pass compatible with EZ Pass. What is the harm? Maybe some up front costs? It would make the lives of Michigan residents easier.

His arguments are silly and illogical.

Not with alternate routes to use there isn't. And of course you've seen Michigan plates on the ITR and Ohio Turnpike and the Chicago area since Michigan is within a few miles of both toll roads and within an hour of Chicago. What's the point in doing it when very few of the Mackinac Bridge passengers have it? That's one of the reason's they don't have it. And yes a bridge worker figured out that credit card users are the reason for any backups at the toll plaza. There are only four lanes in each direction with two being for MacPass and two open lanes with an emergency lane and the bridge itself is only four lanes with no room for expansion.

My arguments aren't silly or illogical at all.

Yes they are.

The point in doing it is to encourage more people to get it - which in turn would reduce back ups. Think about this a second. To get a Mac Pass now requires you to pay $88 in deposits and fees. If you only get up there once or twice a season, why would you bother? You would just pay the cash, or put it on your credit card, and be part of the back up problem

But if you ALSO had a pass that would work in Ohio, Indiana and the Chicago area, even if you only go there occasionally, the interoperability makes the purchase much more attractive.

What is the point of NOT doing it if it encourages more people to purchase the product and help to alleviate the back up problem?

It's ridiculous that anyone thinks that if the Mackinac Bridge had EZPass that it would reduce backups. Why would they do that when the people that would have it already have MacPass? The bridge is two lanes in each direction, you are funneling an entire section of state over a bridge with only two lanes to use, you get up to the toll plaza you have 4 and you are at the boot for less than 30 seconds. It's the credit card users that cause the backups now that I know that bit of information. You wouldn't bother getting a MacPass if you only crossed a couple times a year, that's for people that cross the bridge all the time. How many people is it going to encourage to get? If people are only crossing a couple times a year and not going to Ohio, Indiana or Chicago then it's pointless. There are only about 4 million crossings a year that isn't very much.

[SEWIGuy]

I watch the Mackinac Bridge cams a lot and it's not a new thing for traffic backups going North on Friday and going South on Sunday in Michigan.

Which also happens on many of the freeways - I-75, US-23, US-127, etc. It's not a toll thing, it's a "Going Up North" thing.

Yes the toll booths slow it down more than if they weren't there. But savvy travelers expect some slowdowns on weekends and holidays, and they plan ahead.

The theme of this thread has been that the delays are because of the tolls because there's no EZPass. While that contributes, it's not the primary cause.

Yep all of them have traffic on the weekends going up and coming back. For about 80 miles between Grayling and the bridge you have Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing traffic all running on one highway. Grand Rapids traffic would come in with Lansing traffic on US-127 since i believe the cut over to I-75 would be M-55. So you have anyone that is going up North from 3 of the top 7 largest cities in the state that is going to add a lot of traffic. Grand Rapids traffic though has some alternates you could use probably getting to I-75 around the Gaylord area at the furthest North unless they would run US-31 between Petoskey and Mackinaw City but that route is of course slower.

The toll booths have never really been the cause of any backups on the bridge or leading up to the bridge. There is no need for EZ-Pass on the Mackinac Bridge and the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

And as far as using it in states that have toll roads as a Michigan resident, there is no reason for anyone living in Michigan to use the Indiana Toll Road or Ohio Turnpike (until you get east of Cleveland) except for those people maybe living close to the border. OH-2 is the route to use going to Cleveland and I-94 is the route to Chicago so no need for anyone living in Michigan to have one. Once you are in the Chicago area it's a little tricky but still toll roads there are avoidable as well. And as far as the Liberty Bridge in Bay City accepting EZ-Pass, that might be the case but how many people living in the Bay City area actually have an EZ-Pass? I doubt it's many because it's a new thing and no other toll facility in the area has it.

So just so I am clear on your reasoning. Michigan residents would have no use for an EZ-Pass or compatible system on the Mackinaw Bridge because there are shunpikes to avoid 80/90 in Indiana and Ohio. Is that the basics? Granted, I love to use Ohio 2 to avoid the Ohio Tpk. But it's not as quick as the Turnpike.

Flint is being incredibly obstinate. Of course there is reason for Michigan residents to use the ITR or Ohio Turnpike. I have seen PLENTY of Michigan plates on both - not to mention all over the tollways around Chicago. And it of course makes sense to make Mac Pass compatible with EZ Pass. What is the harm? Maybe some up front costs? It would make the lives of Michigan residents easier.

His arguments are silly and illogical.

Not with alternate routes to use there isn't. And of course you've seen Michigan plates on the ITR and Ohio Turnpike and the Chicago area since Michigan is within a few miles of both toll roads and within an hour of Chicago. What's the point in doing it when very few of the Mackinac Bridge passengers have it? That's one of the reason's they don't have it. And yes a bridge worker figured out that credit card users are the reason for any backups at the toll plaza. There are only four lanes in each direction with two being for MacPass and two open lanes with an emergency lane and the bridge itself is only four lanes with no room for expansion.

My arguments aren't silly or illogical at all.

Yes they are.

The point in doing it is to encourage more people to get it - which in turn would reduce back ups. Think about this a second. To get a Mac Pass now requires you to pay $88 in deposits and fees. If you only get up there once or twice a season, why would you bother? You would just pay the cash, or put it on your credit card, and be part of the back up problem

But if you ALSO had a pass that would work in Ohio, Indiana and the Chicago area, even if you only go there occasionally, the interoperability makes the purchase much more attractive.

What is the point of NOT doing it if it encourages more people to purchase the product and help to alleviate the back up problem?

It's ridiculous that anyone thinks that if the Mackinac Bridge had EZPass that it would reduce backups. Why would they do that when the people that would have it already have MacPass? The bridge is two lanes in each direction, you are funneling an entire section of state over a bridge with only two lanes to use, you get up to the toll plaza you have 4 and you are at the boot for less than 30 seconds. It's the credit card users that cause the backups now that I know that bit of information. You wouldn't bother getting a MacPass if you only crossed a couple times a year, that's for people that cross the bridge all the time. How many people is it going to encourage to get? If people are only crossing a couple times a year and not going to Ohio, Indiana or Chicago then it's pointless. There are only about 4 million crossings a year that isn't very much.

OK, this is my last post on the subject because you have put your obstinate stake in the ground and aren't going to move it no matter how illogical you are being.

You still don't seem to understand that there is no significant downside to making it EZ Pass compatible. It would just make it easier for those who have EZ Pass, AND for those who have Mac Pass and want to use it in Chicago, Indiana, Ohio, etc. And even if it has only a small impact on weekend back-ups, why not do it?

[Terry Shea]

the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

Many from outside the forum have:
https://x.com/gasbuddyguy/status/1675321390877089792?s=46&t=XdKh7ZDmCSJQHQso79oQ8Q
https://www.facebook.com/share/UxU5SHKxvix3Nfce/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/yzV5MaxCFXPTwY3f/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Makes me think this is about nothing more than corporate greed and control. They just want your $87!

Having EZPass would have done nothing to stop that backup. That was just before the 4th of July on a Saturday afternoon with construction going on and the only way into the U.P. gets backed up, not surprising at all. People complaining about the Mackinac Bridge not having EZPass probably very rarely cross the bridge.

Obviously, a lot of the people commenting here have never traveled north through Michigan at the start of a holiday weekend or south at the end of a holiday weekend.  This isn't just a bridge phenomenon.  You've got like half the population of the state and out of staters too heading north at the start of the weekend and heading back south at the end of the weekend, along a very few routes that weren't designed to handle anywhere near that type of traffic.  On Friday, if you head north from Muskegon along US-31, from Grand Rapids on US-131, Lansing along US-127 and Detroit/Flint/Saginaw/Bay City using I-75, you're going to run into backups and sometimes almost entire routes turn into parking lots.  And it only gets worse the further north you go with routes ending, some becoming only 2 lanes and resort areas like Traverse City and Petosky getting over-loaded with traffic.  I-75 narrows from 4 lanes to 2 near Bay City and US-127 ends at I-75 south of Grayling.  So, you end up with 1 freeway with 2 lanes in each direction and one 2-lane highway handling virtually all the weekend traffic heading to several resort areas and up to the straits and beyond.  Yeah, there's very little traffic along these routes during the week, but traffic increases exponentially on weekends, especially holiday weekends.

[Rothman]

What I get from Flint is that he thinks Michiganders don't leave their state.

[JREwing78]

It's unsurprising, but silly, that credit cards are cited by Bridge Authority employees as the holdup. We're not taking about some one-lane toll bridge off a two-track in the middle of the wilderness, and they're not using imprinters with carbon paper and making people sign them.

All sorts of communication and other things make the crossing of the Straits in that general vicinity, so it's not like the Bridge Authority couldn't come up with decent high-speed internet, even if it's having to play in the wholesale market with wireless ISPs and such. Even if it had no other options, I'm sure Starlink would be happy to oblige.

If I can unlock a gas pump in under 10 seconds with tap-to-pay, the Bridge Authority should be able to crack off a series of $4 or $8 transactions just as quickly. But you've got to get driver's ready to tap or swipe and get rolling; too many are too distracted. If done properly, a credit card should go as fast as having exact cash.

[Flint1979]

the people that have a problem with that should bother the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

Many from outside the forum have:
https://x.com/gasbuddyguy/status/1675321390877089792?s=46&t=XdKh7ZDmCSJQHQso79oQ8Q
https://www.facebook.com/share/UxU5SHKxvix3Nfce/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/yzV5MaxCFXPTwY3f/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Makes me think this is about nothing more than corporate greed and control. They just want your $87!

Having EZPass would have done nothing to stop that backup. That was just before the 4th of July on a Saturday afternoon with construction going on and the only way into the U.P. gets backed up, not surprising at all. People complaining about the Mackinac Bridge not having EZPass probably very rarely cross the bridge.

Obviously, a lot of the people commenting here have never traveled north through Michigan at the start of a holiday weekend or south at the end of a holiday weekend.  This isn't just a bridge phenomenon.  You've got like half the population of the state and out of staters too heading north at the start of the weekend and heading back south at the end of the weekend, along a very few routes that weren't designed to handle anywhere near that type of traffic.  On Friday, if you head north from Muskegon along US-31, from Grand Rapids on US-131, Lansing along US-127 and Detroit/Flint/Saginaw/Bay City using I-75, you're going to run into backups and sometimes almost entire routes turn into parking lots.  And it only gets worse the further north you go with routes ending, some becoming only 2 lanes and resort areas like Traverse City and Petosky getting over-loaded with traffic.  I-75 narrows from 4 lanes to 2 near Bay City and US-127 ends at I-75 south of Grayling.  So, you end up with 1 freeway with 2 lanes in each direction and one 2-lane highway handling virtually all the weekend traffic heading to several resort areas and up to the straits and beyond.  Yeah, there's very little traffic along these routes during the week, but traffic increases exponentially on weekends, especially holiday weekends.

Exactly. I live in Saginaw so I'm always on I-75 and know the highway too well actually but that's what the problem is, you have half the population of the state living in one Metro area and then have a few other Metro area's sprinkled across the state with populations trying to get to where they are going Up North. I'm not sure how many other states you can say you have a downstate home and an Up North home, I know you can in Minnesota, Wisconsin and New York but that's where the problem lies.

Like I said I live in Saginaw and have a cabin in Cedarville 30 miles south of the Soo and anytime I want to go up there I have to cross you guessed it, the Mackinac Bridge so yep I know that crossing all too well. I knew there was going to be traffic problems for the 4th of July with the construction that is going on. It took me 20 minutes to cross it southbound a month ago and that's after the toll booths so that wasn't the problem, it was three large semis going extremely slow. EZPass wouldn't do anything to help any congestion on the bridge.

[Flint1979]

What I get from Flint is that he thinks Michiganders don't leave their state.

Their state? I live here too. And as someone who once in awhile leaves the state why would I think that?