USA Toll Transponder Interoperability - 2025 edition

[ElishaGOtis]

That's a lot less user-friendly than the switchable device. For example, you may be on the road not planning to use the HO/T lanes but then you change plans on the spur of the moment, say because the traffic report makes you aware of a bad crash causing backups. Trying to set your HOV status via a mobile app while you're driving is dumb.

And hopefully you didn't forget your phone back at the office.

And if you're abroad, hopefully the app works to communicate this status across toll agencies and not just on the sticker's home system.

Georgia and NC have entered the chat.

[ran4sh]

That's a lot less user-friendly than the switchable device. For example, you may be on the road not planning to use the HO/T lanes but then you change plans on the spur of the moment, say because the traffic report makes you aware of a bad crash causing backups. Trying to set your HOV status via a mobile app while you're driving is dumb.

And hopefully you didn't forget your phone back at the office.

And if you're abroad, hopefully the app works to communicate this status across toll agencies and not just on the sticker's home system.

Georgia and NC have entered the chat.

In Georgia there is no need to communicate HOV status across agencies, because only Peach Pass is eligible for the free HOV use of toll lanes. (Which is why I have Peach Pass in Illinois instead of I-Pass)

[Crown Victoria]

An interesting tidbit in next week's PA Turnpike Commissioners' meeting agenda...look at page 2, item 2b:

https://files.paturnpike.com/production/docs/default-source/resources/commission-meetings/agenda---february-3-2026.pdf?sfvrsn=7864158f_1

[Sani]

b. Interoperability Agreement with the Central United States Interoperability Hub and E-ZPass Group member agencies to allow for interoperability between the tolling programs; and authorize the Chief Executive Officer or designee to enter into the Agreement as prepared by the Legal Department;

Hmm. So E-ZPass and Central States both interoperable with the Pennsylvania Turnpike... how long before direct interoperability between E-ZPass and Central States, allowing one transponder to cover almost every toll road east of the Rockies?

[kalvado]

b. Interoperability Agreement with the Central United States Interoperability Hub and E-ZPass Group member agencies to allow for interoperability between the tolling programs; and authorize the Chief Executive Officer or designee to enter into the Agreement as prepared by the Legal Department;

Hmm. So E-ZPass and Central States both interoperable with the Pennsylvania Turnpike... how long before direct interoperability between E-ZPass and Central States, allowing one transponder to cover almost every toll road east of the Rockies?

As long as it takes a lawyer in NYSTA review and correct agreement a few times. So pretty soon, 2028 maybe

[ElishaGOtis]

b. Interoperability Agreement with the Central United States Interoperability Hub and E-ZPass Group member agencies to allow for interoperability between the tolling programs; and authorize the Chief Executive Officer or designee to enter into the Agreement as prepared by the Legal Department;

Hmm. So E-ZPass and Central States both interoperable with the Pennsylvania Turnpike... how long before direct interoperability between E-ZPass and Central States, allowing one transponder to cover almost every toll road east of the Rockies?

SunPass Pro     

The only places it doesn't work are:
- Alabama Freedom Pass (not interoperable with anything)
- Louisiana Geux Pass (not interoperable with anything)
- Local toll bridges here and there (I.e. Gasparilla)
- Half of Michigan's toll bridges (not interoperable with anything)
- Northwest Pkwy (currently ExpressToll only, no other central hub connection)
- The DFW Airport Toll Road thingy (currently TollTag only, no other central hub connection)
- South Carolina I-185 (not interoperable with anything)
- Any HOV discounts outside of I-95 Miami (some companies do offer a multi-protocol switch transponder, surprised that SunPass hasn't jumped on this yet)

Probably missing a couple others as well. I do believe the HCTRA confusion has since resolved.

[Sani]

b. Interoperability Agreement with the Central United States Interoperability Hub and E-ZPass Group member agencies to allow for interoperability between the tolling programs; and authorize the Chief Executive Officer or designee to enter into the Agreement as prepared by the Legal Department;

Hmm. So E-ZPass and Central States both interoperable with the Pennsylvania Turnpike... how long before direct interoperability between E-ZPass and Central States, allowing one transponder to cover almost every toll road east of the Rockies?

SunPass Pro     

The only places it doesn't work are:
- Alabama Freedom Pass (not interoperable with anything)
- Louisiana Geux Pass (not interoperable with anything)
- Local toll bridges here and there (I.e. Gasparilla)
- Half of Michigan's toll bridges (not interoperable with anything)
- Northwest Pkwy (currently ExpressToll only, no other central hub connection)
- The DFW Airport Toll Road thingy (currently TollTag only, no other central hub connection)
- South Carolina I-185 (not interoperable with anything)
- Any HOV discounts outside of I-95 Miami (some companies do offer a multi-protocol switch transponder, surprised that SunPass hasn't jumped on this yet)

Probably missing a couple others as well. I do believe the HCTRA confusion has since resolved.

Yep, before my dad and his wife moved from Florida to Chicago, they got a SunPass PRO so it would work in Florida and with I-Pass. Now to just get the rest of it integrated.

[vdeane]

b. Interoperability Agreement with the Central United States Interoperability Hub and E-ZPass Group member agencies to allow for interoperability between the tolling programs; and authorize the Chief Executive Officer or designee to enter into the Agreement as prepared by the Legal Department;

Hmm. So E-ZPass and Central States both interoperable with the Pennsylvania Turnpike... how long before direct interoperability between E-ZPass and Central States, allowing one transponder to cover almost every toll road east of the Rockies?

It read to me more like interoperability between E-ZPass and the central state hub.  The PTC is already an E-ZPass member.

[SSOWorld]

...

SunPass Pro     

The only places it doesn't work are:
...
- The DFW Airport Toll Road thingy (currently TollTag only, no other central hub connection)
...

Probably missing a couple others as well. I do believe the HCTRA confusion has since resolved.

...

DFW Expressway takes a K-TAG/PikePass just fine. (Took mine, but gave it back )

[ElishaGOtis]

Fixed the title.

ALSO...

RUMOR ONLY (NOT OFFICIAL): Florida is currently studying the possibility of expanding interoperability to...
*checks notes*

WA's GoodToGo system?!!?!!

AND one-way interoperability with some agencies in CA (similar to NTTA's agreement with TheTollRoads).

Not sure if the first one regarding WA is due to their consideration of joining the central hub, or if it's an individual agreement.

Again, this is just a rumor...

A road rumor.

 

[vdeane]

AND one-way interoperability with some agencies in CA (similar to NTTA's agreement with TheTollRoads).

What is it with CA and one-way interoperability?

[I-55]

AND one-way interoperability with some agencies in CA (similar to NTTA's agreement with TheTollRoads).

What is it with CA and one-way interoperability?

https://thetollroads.com/driving-the-toll-roads/tolling-accounts/out-of-state-travel

As of June 1st, people with an account on The Toll Roads (a tolling agency in Orange County, CA) can now use their transponder in North Texas (DFW and Tyler).

Here's the catch- NTTA Customers are not currently able to use their NTTA TollTag to pay tolls on The Toll Roads, we are working towards two-way compatibility.

To achieve full interoperability with California toll roads, Section 27565 of the California Streets and Highway Code has to be amended.  The section, which deals with electronic tolling, presently has a restriction on the sharing of information out of state.

There is currently a bill (AB-334) in the California legislature that is looking to amend Section 27565 to permit such data sharing.  If it should pass the legislature and be signed into law, it is likely that California and Texas toll facility electronic toll interoperability would soon occur thereafter.

Trying to figure out how this possibly works one way:

FasTrak tags should all start with a uniform set of numbers, similar to E-ZPass networks (ex. 014 and 015 is ILTOLL, 030 is ITRCC, etc.) so no customer info is needed on NTTA's end. They'll pick up the tags and recognize them as TTR FasTrak from the first digits and forward them to The Toll Roads, who sends NTTA their reciprocity money and bills their FasTrak customers.

The Toll Roads in theory should be able to follow the same logic: recognize that tags are from NTTA, invoice NTTA with tag numbers and bills, and NTTA pays The Toll Roads and invoices their tag holders. What blockable information needs to be sent? If I drove on it and got billed by mail they'd send an invoice direct to my front door. Similrly, if a CA plate drives the IL Tollway or Penna Tpk, they'd also receive an invoice. How does PTC or ILTOLL get their info? Something's getting sent out of state.

[hwyfan]

Assembly Bill 334, which would have permitted Fastrak to have out of state interoperability with other electronic toll systems, was moved to the inactive file in the California Senate.   It may return at some point in the future but for the time being is not going to be passed out of the legislature. 


Bill state:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB334

[Great Lakes Roads]

Massachusetts will be issuing stickers starting on March 1st (4th state within the E-ZPass hub to do so!)

https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/new-e-zpass-sticker-replacing-plastic-transponders/

E-ZPass states with stickers: IL (*IPass), ME, RI, MA

[Duke87]

Massachusetts will be issuing stickers starting on March 1st (4th state within the E-ZPass hub to do so!)

https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/new-e-zpass-sticker-replacing-plastic-transponders/

E-ZPass states with stickers: IL (*IPass), ME, RI, MA

And with no option for a hard case version, so if you like your tag being portable fuck you, get an account with another state.

[ElishaGOtis]

Massachusetts will be issuing stickers starting on March 1st (4th state within the E-ZPass hub to do so!)

https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/new-e-zpass-sticker-replacing-plastic-transponders/

E-ZPass states with stickers: IL (*IPass), ME, RI, MA

And with no option for a hard case version, so if you like your tag being portable fuck you, get an account with another state.

Why else would you call them Massholes? 

[MASTERNC]

Massachusetts will be issuing stickers starting on March 1st (4th state within the E-ZPass hub to do so!)

https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/new-e-zpass-sticker-replacing-plastic-transponders/

E-ZPass states with stickers: IL (*IPass), ME, RI, MA

And with no option for a hard case version, so if you like your tag being portable fuck you, get an account with another state.

And pay more for tolls (MA charges lower rates for its customers vs. other E-ZPass agencies).  Think the removable sticker sheet might be the way to go.

[fwydriver405]

Massachusetts will be issuing stickers starting on March 1st (4th state within the E-ZPass hub to do so!)

https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/new-e-zpass-sticker-replacing-plastic-transponders/

E-ZPass states with stickers: IL (*IPass), ME, RI, MA

And with no option for a hard case version, so if you like your tag being portable fuck you, get an account with another state.

And pay more for tolls (MA charges lower rates for its customers vs. other E-ZPass agencies).  Think the removable sticker sheet might be the way to go.

MA is one of the few states that still charges an intermediate rate for out-of-state E-ZPass agencies (with the exception of the Tobin Bridge - the rate is $1.25 for all E-ZPass users). ME, NH, and parts of NY still charge the Cash or Tolls By Mail rate for out of state E-ZPass tagholders. IIRC, the rates on the Tobin Bridge haven't been changed since 2014, and for the Mass Pike, Callahan, Sumner, and Ted Williams Tunnels, 2016.

I will say that in my opinion, this will make carrying transponders from multiple agencies (if you're one of those people who do like me - NH and ME) a bit more difficult despite solutions like Sticker Shield, as its adhesive is going to lose its stickiness to the windshield over time repeatedly taking it on and off, which may require putting a new sheet on. Though it's more of a minor thing at least from my early observations.

[Great Lakes Roads]

From the 2026 OTA annual outlook for the year when it comes to interoperability:

"PIKEPASS customers enjoy easy, hassle-free, discounted travel on toll roads in Kansas, Texas, and select areas of Colorado and Florida* through existing interoperability agreements. One transponder works across these partner states, giving drivers the lowest available toll rate and a single, simple statement for all their trips. Across the country, toll agencies are continuing to connect their systems. Beginning later in 2026, OTA will take an exciting step forward by expanding national interoperability with other states. OTA remains committed to growing its network of partners and creating an even more convenient, connected travel experience for customers — making every journey feel a little easier, wherever the road leads."

Sometime later this year- E-ZPass gets integrated into the Central US Hub? CFX? PeachPass?

[Rothman]

Huh.  Gotta PikePass and an E-ZPass.  Doubt they'll combine with the IAG.

[ElishaGOtis]

From the 2026 OTA annual outlook for the year when it comes to interoperability:

"PIKEPASS customers enjoy easy, hassle-free, discounted travel on toll roads in Kansas, Texas, and select areas of Colorado and Florida* through existing interoperability agreements. One transponder works across these partner states, giving drivers the lowest available toll rate and a single, simple statement for all their trips. Across the country, toll agencies are continuing to connect their systems. Beginning later in 2026, OTA will take an exciting step forward by expanding national interoperability with other states. OTA remains committed to growing its network of partners and creating an even more convenient, connected travel experience for customers — making every journey feel a little easier, wherever the road leads."

Sometime later this year- E-ZPass gets integrated into the Central US Hub? CFX? PeachPass?

I think joining the IAG will automatically enable interoperability with PeachPass and CFX

[vdeane]

Maybe it will be the Mackinac Bridge - you know, so that bridge can be interoperable with the Oklahoma Turnpikes but not the two international bridges that it sits between (and which are interoperable with each other).

[ElishaGOtis]

NJ could be next to phase out hard case and replace with stickers.

https://www.nj.com/news/2026/03/e-zpass-transponders-may-be-going-away-saving-millions-heres-what-would-replace-them.html?outputType=amp

[Great Lakes Roads]

NJ could be next to phase out hard case and replace with stickers.

https://www.nj.com/news/2026/03/e-zpass-transponders-may-be-going-away-saving-millions-heres-what-would-replace-them.html?outputType=amp

Saw that news on my IG feed! Stickers are great! 

[MASTERNC]

The rental car companies and PlatePass are going to fight this because of the revenue loss, but someone will have to come up with a way to share a personal transponder account with a rental vehicle if the hard case transponders are going away.

The Visitor Toll Pass in Orlando (a hangtag) works perfectly but CFX is the only agency I know of that offers anything like this.  It should be a no-brainer for PANJNY to offer this at its airports, even for a fee.