After VA Gov Mark Warner lit a massive bonfire under VDOT's backside, EzPass if finally coming to Virginia this fall...

The first roads in VA to be integrated into the EzPass system: The Dulles Toll Road and The Dulles Greenway, additional roads in the state should be integrated into the system by the end of the year.

EzPass isn't operating yet in VA, it looks like when it happens new signage will be going into place. The current Smart-Tag system isn't going away, VDOT is just entering into a reciprical agreement with EzPass, Smart-Tag will accept EzPass, and EzPass will accept Smart-Tag. According to www.smart-tag.com they are shooting for the first roads to be integrated by late fall.

If you're not familiar with either system, Smart-Tag is a transponder that goes in your car (look for a little white box mounted towards the center of the windshield). When you drive through a toll plaza that accepts Smart-Tag the transponder talks to the toll plaza, an account that you setup when you got your Smart-Tag is debited, and you don't have to stop at the toll plaza at all. Until recently you could only use your Smart-Tag in VA. EzPass is a similar system however it works on most if not every toll road in West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusettes.

For more information, visit www.ezpass.com or www.smart-tag.com

 

about time......

 

we have them in Orlando that works on the expressways and all state toll roads...you will enjoy much and learn slip lane techniques you will...

 

It is great news that Virginia is now joining with most of the Original 13 colonies. This makes the link unbroken from VA all the way up to ME!

The nickel and dime annoyance on the Dulles tollway has been a major aggrevation to me for a long time.

 

I didn't know Sunpass was compatible with anything outside Florida... VA has had a system for years, they've just finally decided to tie it in with the rest of the Northeast

 

Well not exactly.. Just back from a trip to Canada, by way of Maine.. CT has no tolls... Mass is on EZ-pass, but New Hampshire, and Maine are not yet compatible... According to Maine Turnpike web site Maine will be hopefully this fall...

 

What's up Metro folks! I'm in Herndon VA this week and have seen several MINIs running around today! I'd love to meet you all but i'm working 16 hr days and I'm gone on Friday...but I'll be out here every few months with a (hopefully) less hectic schedule and maybe I can check out the rides!!

haf

 

how convenient...I just got EZPass to beat the crowds going over the Bay Bridge. Yay!!

 

Hey haf! 16 hour days? yuck. let us know when you've got more time to meet'n'greet, k?
Where in NoVa are ya?

 

Next time you're out this way, try and have a bit of time set aside! I'm sure that the wonderful folk at DC Metro MINIs could set up a little something! :smile:

(Plus, I would be honored (as I'm sure we all would be) to have my MINI star in one of your photo shoots! )

-Paul!

 

If I don't see you here, perhaps I will see you sometime in Scottsdale, my sister is in Tempe and I usually get out to see her once a year and stay in Scottsdale.

OK - back on topic. This is great news about EZ Pass. I can finally justify getting one now!

 

...was that it works on all FLORIDA state toll roads doh!

 

On or about October 27th, EzPass was activated in Virginia. Judging from Virginia's SmartTag website EzPass went live statewide as opposed to just on the Dulles Toll Road and Greenway as originally announced.

Don't know if SmartTag user discounts on the Greenway and other roads in the state also apply to EzPass users. Sorry nobody gets a discount on the Dulles Toll Road.

SmartTag users can now also use EzPass lanes on all EzPass roads as well.

 

I got mine last month to use on my trip up to Boston, and I spent the money since I knew this was coming to VA. They are such a great little device. I saved about a half hour off my usual travel time to Boston being able to bypass the lines at the toll plazas.

 

What a great idea. When the toll road was built, it was agreed that the toll would end when the road was paid for. What a great idea. We can now pay automatically for the toll that should have ended years ago. Much more convient than no toll at all. Perhaps with continued enhancements, we can pay conviently for years to come.

 

Is the road paid for yet? Even if it's not, don't expect the Greenway toll to go away..... ever.

Besides, I thought I read somewhere that Fairfax County and the state had agreed to keep the toll in place in order to pay for the Metrorail extension to Dulles.

Honestly I have no objection to the Toll Road. It's been my experience that when people have a choice to either pay and drive in less traffic (like on the Dulles Toll Road) or not pay and sit in traffic (like on I-66), people will lean towards being cheap.

The I-66/Dulles Toll Road might not be the best example, but I've seen it in other places too. In Broward County Florida, traffic on I-95 is MUCH heavier than on the Florida Turnpike.