Is it true that the only way to use the PA turnpike now is with the EZ pass?

[diabeticman]

Not that my wife and I go anywhere. BUT IF by some miracle we are able to go somewhere we won't be able to use any toll roads since we don't have that EZ pass thing.

[Warpy]

1. i don't see how that can be the case

because not all of their riders are daily commuters. I think that's the only way to use it efficiently, something truck drivers will greatly appreciate along with daily commuters.

[diabeticman]

5. I know I remember hearing a report saying that some 300 workers who work toll roads will be out of

a job when this went into effect.

[elleng]

2. No

http://www.paturnpike.com/toll/toll_info.aspx

[CBGLuthier]

3. Not according to their website

Even when it does go cashless (by 2018) you can travel without ezpass. They will scan your licence plate and send you a bill.

http://www.paturnpike.com/aet_public/aet_faq.asp

[diabeticman]

4. Thanks that is helpful.

[JPZenger]

6. There are some ramps that are EZ Pass only, and a highway in Md.

They are increasing prices for cash customers much faster than for EZ Pass to get people to use EZ Pass. Some of the newer ramps cannot be used unless you have EZ Pass. Also, a new highway around the north side of DC in Md. cannot be used unless you have EZ Pass.

There is a proposal that the new bridge for I-95 between Pa and NJ would be EZ Pass only. That is because they don't have enough width for toll booths. If you don't have EZ Pass, they would send the owner of the car a bill (with a service charge).

[Curmudgeoness]

7. I cannot find it on there website now

but that "bill" you would get if you don't have EZ Pass will be extremely high. I remember when they first proposed this, they were talking about a $25 additional fee to cover sending a bill, and the toll would be much higher too, since they don't know where you get off, just where to get on....so they would charge you as if you went all the way to the end. Apparently, they have not got this all written in stone yet since they have decided not to impose this immediately.

I normally use the turnpike for a short trip about once a year, and it costs me about $4 each way. I would have no idea what I would have to pay when/if they go to this, but it is obvious that it would be well over $50 just for the fee to send me a bill.

[mrmpa]

8. No you don't have to have one..............

I do have one. I bought in when I lived in Baltimore and it was cheaper to use, particularly when using the turnpike. I used it this past weekend. There are lanes that are EZ pass only & lanes that are EZ pass and cash.

What I hate about using it, is the fact that I have no idea unless I go to EZ pass web site, how much I was charged for my tolls. I also miss having a short conversation with theToll Booth operator.

[JPZenger]

9. Desperate for conversation

Yes, I remember years ago going through an extremely rural Turnpike interchange. The toll taker seemed desperate to have a conversation. "Please, please, don't leave me here alone!"