When the state of Maryland launched its M-TAG Electronic Toll Collection system ? now known as E-ZPass ? in 1999, the program was designed for commuters.
But today, with more than 386,000 E-ZPass accounts and more than 500,000 transponders in use, officials with the Maryland Transportation Authority say the system is really ideal for anyone who wants to save time on Maryland?s roadways.
“There is very little reason for anyone not to have an E-ZPass,” said Trent Kittleman, executive secretary at the Maryland Transportation Authority. “If people still had to stop and pay cash in every one of our toll booths, we could not put through the volume of traffic that we do at places like the Ft. McHenry Tunnel and it?s helped with the Bay Bridge dramatically.”
Kittleman said that for a standard plan, motorists only need to open an account by putting a $25 deposit down with a credit card. That money is then used when motorists pass through toll plazas and is automatically replenished with a designated credit card when it runs out.
“The most fun of having E-ZPass is when you get to the toll booth and you drive right through watching all the people waiting to pay tolls,” said Kittleman. “It?s a huge time-saver.”
In Maryland, the E-ZPass system is currently accepted at the Fort McHenry Tunnel, Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge, the Bay Bridge, the Nice Bridge, the Hatem Bridge and the Millard E. Tydings Memorial Bridge in Havre De Grace. Kittleman said that what is most convenient about the system for many users is that E-ZPass is accepted throughout much of the Northeast. “It was very impressive that over 22 separate government agencies in the Northeast were able to ? on their own ? get together and create one system for E-Z Pass,” Kittleman said.
Brenda Showell, director of client services at Planit Advertising, said that it was her family?s frequent travel back and forth to New York City that spurred her husband to purchase her an E-ZPass four years ago as a stocking stuffer.
“It?s fast on the Turnpike ? it?s fast on the George Washington Bridge and, with a child in the car, it makes the ride a whole lot smoother not to have to sit in traffic,” said Showell. “I think everybody should have one, honestly. I?m sold.”
Toll info
» In 2005, total toll income generated for the state was $274,751,971.65
» E-ZPass Electronic Tolls generated $118,516,172.50
