EZSPass users in Virginia take note....

ChipL · Jun 4, 2012

Wasn't sure where to post this, figured that this best place for it being noticed....

Got this email the other day....

Dear E-ZPass Customer,With Virginia’s E-ZPass program doubling over the next several years as new toll roads open, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is proposing a monthly fee of about $1 per transponder to pay for administrative and operations costs.VDOT has the utmost understanding that E-ZPass operations brings convenience and efficiency to toll operations. E-ZPass allows for electronic toll collection at Virginia toll facilities and lessens the need for manual collection. However, there is a cost to providing the service to the participating toll facilities, most of which are not operated by VDOT. The Virginia E-ZPass program is being expanded to support several new toll facilities scheduled or expected to be opened over the next few years. The cost associated with the enhanced distribution and specialized services for the new facilities and additional transponders requires a new business model.The proposed monthly fee would cover costs for: •Buying nearly one-half million transponders •Implementing a retail program where transponders can be obtained at various stores in Northern Virginia and eventually Hampton Roads•Providing service at select DMV locations•Upgrading information technology to accommodate the expanded program•Account management and processing of toll transactions (managing billing of all transactions)•Customer service and the operations of three customer service centersThe fee would also help control costs and manage the selection and demand for E-ZPass transponders. The fee would be regularly evaluated to ensure that the charge is generating just enough revenue to maintain and operate the program without generating excess revenues above expenses.VDOT is accepting comments on the proposed monthly fee through Tuesday, 5 p.m., June 12, 2012. All comments will be reviewed and taken into consideration prior to the final decision on the proposed fee structure. You can go to www.virginiadot.org/e-zpass for information on the proposed monthly fee increase and provide their comments online. You can submit your comments directly to [email protected] or mail them to:Office Communications – Third Floor/Annex Bldg.Virginia Department of Transportation1401 E. Broad St.Richmond, VA 23219VDOT expects to have a final decision in June. Thank you for being a valued E-ZPass customer. Sincerely,E-ZPass Virginia
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Just yet another way to tax those that want to save time and frustration at the toll booths operated by VDOT.

They don't talk about the interest they earn on the money uncollected, sitting in our accounts. They neglect that they have the technology to charge higher tolls based on the state the EZPass was issued in, let alone for those state roads that are not VDOT owned.

Funny in a bad way that this fee is coming on the heels of the HOT lanes opening soon in the Northern Virginia area in less that a years time. Most will ignore the email I got. What is $1 a month?

NO WHERE is there a cost accounting to justify this fee....

ChipL · Jun 4, 2012

This was an automated response to their link:

Thank you for expressing your concerns on the potential maintenance fee for E-ZPass operations in Virginia.
With Virginia’s E-ZPass program doubling over the next several years as new toll roads open, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is proposing a monthly fee of about $1 per transponder to pay for administrative and operations costs.

We have the utmost understanding that E-ZPass operations brings convenience and efficiency to toll operations. E-ZPass allows for electronic toll collection at Virginia toll facilities and lessens the need for manual collection. However, there is a cost to providing the service to the participating toll facilities, most of which are not operated by VDOT. The Virginia E-ZPass program is being expanded to support several new toll facilities scheduled or expected to be opened over the next few years. The cost associated with the enhanced distribution and specialized services for the new facilities and additional transponders requires a new business model.

The proposed monthly fee would cover costs for:
• Buying nearly one-half million transponders
• Implementing a retail program where transponders can be obtained at various stores in Northern Virginia and eventually Hampton Roads and the Richmond area
• Providing service at select DMV locations
• Upgrading information technology to accommodate the expanded program
• Account management and processing of toll transactions (managing billing of all transactions)
• Customer service and the operations of three customer service centers

The fee would also help control costs and manage the selection and demand for E-ZPass transponders. The fee would be regularly evaluated to ensure that the charge is generating just enough revenue to maintain and operate the program without generating excess revenues above expenses.

You can go to www.virginiadot.org/e-zpass for more information on the proposed monthly fee increase.

We appreciate your concerns and thank you for sharing them with us. We are collecting comments through June 12. All comments are reviewed and responded to. VDOT expects to make a final decision on the proposed monthly fee in June and we will keep you informed of the latest developments.

Sincerely,
VDOT E-ZPass Team
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Sure sounds like they don't care about opinions, just a way of justifying the new fee...
They ignore the fact on the Dulles Toll Road main plaza that there are fewer lanes available to than to EZPass users and exact change users... giving long delays even in VERY off peak usage,,,
This email seems to indicate that the fee is a given

wick1ert · Jun 4, 2012

That sucks. Back when EZ Pass was new here, they gave away the transponders. Now, they charge $25 for each transponder. Even if you paid $25 for yours, the battery dies and you want a new one, you gotta pay again. There's no way to simply replace the battery for the end user in them.

I agree that they are just coming up with excuses to charge the fee, seeming only on the basis of increasing revenue. They shouldn't charge existing customers in order to obtain new ones (basically what their excuses are doing).

ChipL · Jun 4, 2012

wick1ert said: ↑

That sucks. Back when EZ Pass was new here, they gave away the transponders. Now, they charge $25 for each transponder. Even if you paid $25 for yours, the battery dies and you want a new one, you gotta pay again. There's no way to simply replace the battery for the end user in them.

I agree that they are just coming up with excuses to charge the fee, seeming only on the basis of increasing revenue. They shouldn't charge existing customers in order to obtain new ones (basically what their excuses are doing).
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Not to mention toll roads that charge a surcharge for out of state users...

In the end it is another tax on those that don't pay attention...

The point of the EZPass was seamless travel. Fees will kill that, other than the cost of our DMV's wanting to recoup the added cost of the for profit HOT lanes ...

EZSPass users in Virginia take note....

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EZSPass users in Virginia take note....

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