Florida is making progress in its efforts to have SunPass accepted nationwide.
The plan would have SunPass accepted first at four southern states with toll roads. Then the group would negotiate with the much larger E-ZPass system, which is used or accepted in 15 states. Congress has mandated it be done by October 2016.
“This regional approach will help meet the federal mandate in a more efficient manner than one where we have to develop individual agreements with every other toll agency,” said turnpike spokeswoman Sonyha Rodriguez-Miller.
In addition, the state must ensure SunPass users have newer transponders that will work on roads outside Florida. So far, it has reached out to 1.3 million customers with older models, offering to replace them for free. It still has about another million to reach and urges those who have not been contacted to be patient.
The state is “very happy with the response from our customers so far,” Rodriguez-Miller said.
North Carolina was the first state to join the southern consortium, accepting SunPass last summer. Georgia is expected to be next this summer, eventually followed by Texas and Oklahoma.
The major sticking point has been different technology that makes the transponders incompatible. The other issues are billing, reimbursement between states, and how to deal with drivers who try to cheat the system.
SunPass, introduced in 1999 on Florida’s Turnpike as a means for drivers to pay tolls electronically without stopping, has nearly 8 million customers.
It’s now accepted by toll roads operated by expressway authorities in Miami, Orlando and Tampa, and on other state toll roads and bridges. In Miami, that includes the Dolphin, Airport, Don Shula and Snapper Creek expressways and the Gratigny Parkway. Plans are in the works to allow it on the Rickenbacker and Venetian causeways, which are operated by Miami-Dade County.
Motorists can even use it to pay for parking at the state’s largest airports.
Officials say customers should wait to receive a notice in the mail or by email before attempting to replace their transponders. The process is expected to continue through this year.
Customers can choose between a sticker tag or a slimmer, portable model that is barely an inch wide. The new model doesn’t beep or having flashing lights when a toll is paid. It is expected to last a lot longer because batteries aren’t required.
“Our customers tell us they are happy to get newer technology that does not require replacing a battery every six months,” Rodriguez-Miller said.
Still, some drivers are unhappy about the loss of the beeps and sounds.
“The reason why a lot of us won’t change until they wring it out of our hands is that they do not beep when tolls are deducted. This helps to acknowledge that the unit is working,” said commuter Stewart Webster.
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Where to use SunPass
SunPass can be used on state-owned and operated toll road and bridges in Florida, and at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Palm Beach, Miami, Orlando and Tampa international airports.
Plans are in the works to allow it on the Rickenbacker and Venetian causeways, which are operated by Miami-Dade County.
Other states where SunPass is accepted: North Carolina
Coming next: Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma
By Oct. 1, 2016: E-ZPass states in the Northeast and Midwest and all other toll roads in the U.S.
You can purchase it at any Publix, CVS, Sedano’s, Navarro, Amscot stores or AAA Auto Club South offices and turnpike service plazas.
