Should I get an EZ pass for my upcoming northeast trip?

[Anonymous]

Do you have to pay in DC? It’s free in MD. Answer is absolutely get one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have to pay in DC? It’s free in MD. Answer is absolutely get one.

DC doesn't offer them because there aren't any toll roads in DC. An out of state user of a Maryland EZ Pass gets assessed a small maintenance fee if they don't use it three times per month (I think it's $1.50).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it makes sense to get one, but know that each state issues its own ez pass and has different rules about discounts, so where you get the pass makes a difference and you may not actually save money by having one. In NY you have to have a NY ez pass to get the discounted tolls. If you have an out of state pass, you pay the pay by plate rate.

Not true, ez pass is interoperable and ny works in nj works in Pa works in dc etc. you get the same discounted rate.

You’re right that ez pass is interoperable, but the discounts aren’t. You need an ez pass issued by NY to get discounts on the thruway and in bridges and tunnels.

If one does not have an EZ Pass, the there is an up charge for the extra effort required to collect the toll in most statea.

So still cheaper to have one vs not having one - in most states.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With a $30 price tag I would not do it just for one trip. Never had one until I had to commute to work on Dulles toll road for a three months assignment

the price of the box is on the box as a credit, isn't it? so no loss?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks, everyone!

I looked at my route and think I might as well get one. The price of the transponder is actually prepaid toll money, so no loss, I'm going to use it all on my trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
OP here. Thanks, everyone!

I looked at my route and think I might as well get one. The price of the transponder is actually prepaid toll money, so no loss, I'm going to use it all on my trip.

but you're required to keep that balance in the account so there is cost/loss if you don't use it again/often.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:100% yes. You can get one at giant.

I don’t think giant has them anymore. Used to.

Giant does still have EZPass units. You just have to visit a participating store. Other stores and even AAA retail locations have them. OP, you can find a place in Arlington or Alexandria that carries the devices here: https://www.ezpassva.com/locations/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
OP here. Thanks, everyone!

I looked at my route and think I might as well get one. The price of the transponder is actually prepaid toll money, so no loss, I'm going to use it all on my trip.

but you're required to keep that balance in the account so there is cost/loss if you don't use it again/often.

Not true for VA EzPass.

Auto refill of the EZ pass also is not required. We do pay attention to the emailed "low balance" alerts.

[Anonymous]

YES

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
OP here. Thanks, everyone!

I looked at my route and think I might as well get one. The price of the transponder is actually prepaid toll money, so no loss, I'm going to use it all on my trip.

but you're required to keep that balance in the account so there is cost/loss if you don't use it again/often.

Not true for VA EzPass.

Auto refill of the EZ pass also is not required. We do pay attention to the emailed "low balance" alerts.

it sure is true practically if it drops below minimum before the trip is over

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
OP here. Thanks, everyone!

I looked at my route and think I might as well get one. The price of the transponder is actually prepaid toll money, so no loss, I'm going to use it all on my trip.

but you're required to keep that balance in the account so there is cost/loss if you don't use it again/often.

Not true for VA EzPass.

Auto refill of the EZ pass also is not required. We do pay attention to the emailed "low balance" alerts.

it sure is true practically if it drops below minimum before the trip is over

Above is definitely not our experience with a VA EZ-Pass. And we do not have auto-pay turned on.

[Anonymous]

In NY I can't remember all the options. But I have it linked to my checking account. Doesn't require maintaining a balance. A day or two after going through tolls they deduct.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
OP here. Thanks, everyone!

I looked at my route and think I might as well get one. The price of the transponder is actually prepaid toll money, so no loss, I'm going to use it all on my trip.

Good .. One less thing to worry about

Safe Travels.