EZ-Pass Easy Peasy

I used to avoid toll roads to avoid tolls.  Now, I use them regularly since I have EZ-Pass.

Five years ago, we drove out to New Jersey for a college visit.  Having driven the trip before, I took the PA Turnpike.  When I last drove it, I could pay at the toll booths.  This time, there were no manned toll booths.   Since I didn't have a EZ Pass transponder, my license plate was used to charge me.

I received the "pay by plate: bill after the trip.  The cost was $143.  Ouch, it was over twice the cost if I had a transponder.  However, Pennsylvania offered a discount option.  If I registered for a transponder, the cost would be reduced to $70, a 50% discount.   The transponder from Pennsylvania had a $3 per year annual fee, which is one of the lowest annual fees.   If I never used it again, I would get 22 years of no $3 fees for just applying.   Easy choice.  I addition, I could register up to 4 vehicles and transfer the transponder, which is OK since we only drive one car at time for long trips.

Although I didn't make the full PA Turnpike trip again, I have used the EZ Pass on a part of the PA turnpike, MD toll roads, GA toll roads FL toll roads and other PA toll roads.   Not only did I get a discount on my first trip, but I have received discounted tolls for all east coast toll roads since then.

EZ Pass was easy peasy. Many eastern states offer a EZ Pass and different prices.  PA had one of the lowest cost activation and annual fees. YMMV.  

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated by EZ-Pass for this post.

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This is not financial, EZ Pass, nor toll road advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

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