The Maryland Transportation Authority is offering Havre de Grace residents the opportunity to learn more about E-ZPass transponders, and maybe even buy one, at an open house event Wednesday.

The open house will run from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Havre de Grace Activity Center.

Transponders will be available.

There's no format to the open house. Residents may come and go, seek information and sign up for E-ZPass accounts.

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.

For those unable to attend Wednesday's open house, another will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 21 at Perryville High School.

Be sure to check the live chat with the MdTA that Patch hosted on Monday—some of your questions may have already been answered.

TELL US: How are you planning to pay for tolls on the Hatem Bridge? Will you buy an E-ZPass plan, pay in cash or avoid the bridge altogether? Leave a comment.