Frequently Asked Questions      

Q. What is E-ZPass and how does it work?

A. E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection (ETC) system that brings traveling convenience and non-stop travel through E-ZPass compatible toll facilities, including the West Virginia Turnpike. The E-ZPass system uses transponder-based technology to electronically record toll usage on the West Virginia Turnpike. Commuter customers receive an electronic transponder about the size of an audiocassette tape, which installs on the inside of the front windshield. Commercial vehicle transponders are either windshield, license plate or rooftop mounted.

As transponder-equipped vehicles travel non-stop through E-ZPass toll lanes, an overhead antenna reads the account information stored in the transponder. Toll usage is automatically recorded to the customer's account. For commercial vehicle customers, tolls are automatically debited from the customer's pre-paid toll balance, or are billed at the end of each month.

The E-ZPass transponder may be used on all existing and future toll roads, tunnels, and bridges in the Northeast regions that accept the E-ZPass transponder.

Q. What are the benefits of having an E-ZPass transponder?

A. The E-ZPass ETC technology permits commuters and commercial vehicle operators to travel the full length of the West Virginia Turnpike without having to stop or wait to pay tolls. This reduces travel time, increases mobility, and helps reduce fuel consumption. Through this unique electronic toll collection system, motorists can experience toll road travel without the hassle of manually paying with cash, tickets, charge cards or tokens.

E-ZPass also automatically records each toll transaction for customers, including date, time, plaza, toll charge and vehicle classification for all E-ZPass toll facilities they use. E-ZPass will provide economic benefits to the region by way of improved and more efficient movement of commercial goods and improved air quality.

Q. Will my transponder work in all lanes?

A. Yes, ALL 38 toll lanes have electronic toll collection (ETC) capabilities with antennas and readers for the transponder system and the new automatic vehicle classification system. Every lane (with the exception of an "E-ZPass Only" dedicated lane, see below) has the dual function of accepting transponders AND cash transactions.

Q. What are "E-ZPass Only" lanes?

A. When toll barriers dedicate a particular lane(s) for electronic toll collection, a sign will be activated indicating "E-ZPass Only" and cash transactions are not accepted in this lane. As stated above, E-ZPass is accepted at ALL lanes; however, when placed in a dedicated mode, this lane allows motorists to pass through a toll lane uninterrupted and without intermingling with customers stopping to pay with cash.

Q. Where will E-ZPass be operational?

A. The E-ZPass system on the West Virginia Turnpike is compatible with the E-ZPass systems operational on the Atlantic City Expressway (ACE) in New Jersey and Interstate 95 Delaware Turnpike and State Route 1 in Delaware, on most New York City area bridges and tunnels, the New York State Thruway, the Massachusetts Turnpike, the Delaware River Port Authority and the Garden State Parkway.  In 2000, motorists will also experience the benefits of E-ZPass along the New Jersey Turnpike. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is also scheduled for installation in the near future.

Q. Will the cost of tolls change with E-ZPass?

A. For PACC customers, there will be no increase in the cost of tolls. A $10 transponder deposit will be required (the deposit will be waived if the credit card payment method is used).

For commercial vehicle customers, there will be slight modifications in vehicle classifications, payment methods and tolls. For instance, toll schedules will be based on nine vehicle classifications instead of the four classifications under the current program. The new classification system took effect on January 28, 2000.

The new classification system will make the commercial vehicle toll schedule more equitable. For example, two- and three-axle vehicles over 7'6" high in our current system pay $4.00. Under the new system, they'll pay $2.00 and $2.75 respectively.

Q. Will manual collection still be available at the toll plazas?

A. Yes. E-ZPass is an electronic alternative for toll collection and will replace the outdated swipe card method, but manual collection will also still be available at all toll plazas.

Q. If a customer has an E-ZPass transponder from the New York toll authorities, can they use it in West Virginia?

A. Yes. With only one account, E-ZPass customers may use all E-ZPass compatible facilities. Drivers or companies with existing E-ZPass accounts may not have to open a new one for use on West Virginia sites. For those customers, West Virginia tolls will be posted on their regular E-ZPass statement.

If E-ZPass customers of the West Virginia Parkways Authority use other E-ZPass compatible facilities, they will receive all toll transaction information for all roadways on their regular statement from the Parkways Authority, detailing the tolls deducted from their accounts on the facilities they used.

Q. How do people sign up for E-ZPass?

A. PACC customers and commercial vehicle customers can pick up an E-ZPass account application at the West Virginia Parkways Authority Customer Service Center. The Center is located at 3310 Piedmont Road, Charleston, West Virginia. Or, they can call for an application at (800) 206-6222.

Q. What happens if my transponder is lost or stolen?

A. Patrons will be responsible for the replacement of lost transponders.

Once reported stolen an E-ZPass customer will not be held responsible for unauthorized transactions.

Q. Can I hold my transponder instead of mounting it on the windshield?

A. No, holding a transponder as you pass through a toll plaza is not recommended. Tags are affixed at certain locations on the vehicle to allow for maximum exposure to overhead antennas that will "read" each tag for account information and debit the appropriate toll amount (tags are not permanently affixed).

Additional Commercial Vehicle Operators Questions

Q. Will every commercial vehicle need a tag?

A. We recommend equipping each commercial vehicle that uses the West Virginia Turnpike with a transponder because it will help speed commercial traffic through toll plazas while giving drivers a more convenient way to pay tolls without stopping.

Q. Are transponders transferable to different vehicles?

A. Yes, you may transfer transponders to different vehicles, as long as they are of the same vehicle class. You should notify us of the changes in your vehicle's registration information, so that we can identify vehicles whose transponders are not working properly, and other similar situations.

Q. Why do we have to pay for the transponders?

A. A transponder is the unique device that allows customers to access the convenient technology of electronic toll collection. Similar to paying for a new cell phone, the one-time cost of the transponder enables you to realize all the benefits of E-ZPass. The life expectancy of a transponder is 5 to 10 years.

Q. Will E-ZPass accounts be prepaid or postpaid?

A. The Authority will allow commercial customers to open either pre or postpaid accounts. Commercial users frequenting other E-ZPass facilities will be directed to open prepaid accounts. Otherwise payment plans will be modified on a case by case basis to accommodate the needs of our commercial patrons.

Q. What information will be included on the invoice?

A. Monthly invoices will display all E-ZPass transaction information such as date, time, plaza, toll charges and vehicle classification for all E-ZPass toll facilities they use.

Q. Will there be a refund for unused transponders?

A. Refunds will be provided for unused transponders on a pro rated basis