E-ZPass Goes Into Action on Hatem Today
An E-ZPass lane will begin operating on the Hatem Bridge Wednesday.
Photos
The transponders are coming! The transponders are coming!
What seemed inevitable even in the midst of the outcry from thousands in Havre de Grace and Perryville last summer comes to fruition Wednesday as a lane dedicated to E-ZPass transponders goes into use on the Hatem Bridge toll plaza.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is rolling out the first major step to replacing the AVI decals at the Hatem Bridge, as sales of the decals in the toll lanes ends and the use of the E-ZPass lane begins.
AVI decals will work through Sept. 30, 2012, at which point commuters will be able to pay by E-ZPass or cash.
E-ZPass transponders will be offered in two options:
- CHOICE A: an E-ZPass for use on the Hatem Bridge only. The annual fee is $10, with no fees, pre-paid toll deposits or account statements. The transponder is free until Jan. 31, 2013, when the price moves to $9 for a new transponder. This option is considered the "AVI equivalent" by the MdTA.
- CHOICE B: an E-ZPass valid wherever E-ZPass is accepted. This account is $10 per year for Hatem Bridge use, and includes a $25 pre-paid balance for use at other toll facilities. It is subject to a transponder charge and a monthly account fee, unless used at least three times the previous month to pay tolls in Maryland. This plan offers a 10 percent discount off the cash rate at Maryland toll plazas. It is considered the more flexible option by the MdTA.
E-ZPass transponders will be sold at the Hatem Bridge stop-in center, though motorists are advised to visit the JFK E-ZPass administration building on Turnpike Drive—easily accessible from MD Route 222 (see Mapquest map for directions).
A series of open houses and deadlines can be referenced here.
What are your plans for crossing the Susquehanna River? Will you choose one of the E-ZPass options? Or are you considering another alternative? Tell us in the comments.
Carroll Fitzgerald
8:57 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
One question I don't think I have seen answered anywhere. I have an AVI decal and use it. I also have an EZ Pass transponder that I use at all of the other toll facilities on the east coast. Will I be able to add Choice B to my current EZ Pass account, or will I have to get a new transponder?
Sean Welsh
10:03 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
You can add Choice B to your account. You can use you AVI through September. -Sean
Annie
2:32 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I have a question....do you have to have a car to get a transponder? I know several people who have doctor appointments in Cecil County but don't always ride with the same person (they don't drive). Would they be able to get a transponder to use with any car they went to their doctor appointments in?
Suzanne S. Chadwick
8:57 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Thanks for this information. Since I already have an commuter EZ Pass Transponder, I'll need to figure out what needs to be done for Hatem Bridge use. Do you know?
Sean Welsh
10:04 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
You can add Choice B to your current transponder. That can be done by phone, or at one of the stop-in locations. -Sean
Tom Fitzpatrick
9:08 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
I have the same situation that Carrol does. Frankly, I'm confused.,....
Wendy McNally
11:16 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
My husband's EZPass was issued in Delaware. Can he add the Hatem Bridge to it, or does he have to close that EZPass account and open one in Maryland before he can add the bridge?
Fred Cullum
11:33 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Wendy, I don't think you can add plan B to another states transponder. In the information booklet that has been issued it states under Plan B: plan is an add-on to a standard E-ZPass Maryland account
Towney
9:56 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Hmmm, I think the Conowingo Dam is going to see an increase in traffic.
I think you can have your current transponder, "programmed" by EZ Pass to recognize the Hatem Bridge Choice, but I'm not sure how if that's true.
Sean Welsh
11:37 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
I'm going to see if we can get an MdTA rep to do a Q&A on Patch to answer some questions. -Sean
Maria Cappuccio
1:20 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
OK, so to clarify, I already have a Maryland EZ-pass used more than 3 times. Do I need to do anything else? or do I need to add Plan B.My current AVI expired last month, so it is expired and I could purchase another good till September 2012 correct?
Fred Cullum
1:57 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Yes, you could get another AVI sticker for $10:00 that will only be good until September of 2012 or you could go ahead and have Plan B put on your existing E-ZPass for $10.00 that will be good until February of 2013.
Maria Cappuccio
9:44 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thank you Fred!
Annie
2:35 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
We do all realize that they are going to jump the rates and that once we are all on transponders instead of having to wait until the AVI stickers ran out they can hit us all at the same time.
Considering the increases that the Governor is wanting I wouldn't be surprised to rates raise even faster than promised once they can change a few lines of programming in a computer and it's done.
Fred Cullum
3:06 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Annie, On the application for the transponder you have to provide the information for any vehicles that the transponder could be used in. Unlike the old ticket books and the AVI stickers the transponder can be used in more the one vehicle, as long as it is registered for it.
James P. Miller
3:19 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
The transponder will work if it is placed in an area that can read it. If you don't register the car all you get is a letter from the EZ Pass people wanting their money. At that time you have to provide the EZ Pass account number with an explanation.
What does the ICC mean to you?
Sean Welsh
12:49 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012
Hi everyone! We'll have a live chat today at 1 p.m. with an MdTA official chiming in on the E-ZPass transition.
http://patch.com/A-qNCN
Thanks,
Sean