Ohio finally gets EZPass

Ohio EZPass

I know this isn't directly related to Cedar Point. But, many people who go to Cedar Point will be affected by this. It will only save me a minute or 2 and my cost is currently the same even if I didn't have an EZPass. But, I only travel one exit on the turnpike while going to the park.

A substantial rate hike has gone into place. If you already have an EZPass or are planning on getting one, you will avoid the rate hike for now. The cross state rate for a Class 1 vehicle is going from $10.25 to $15.00.

From the East gate to Route 250 - EZPass $5.25 or w/o EZPass$7.75

From West gate to Route 4 - EZPass $4.75 or w/o EZPass $6.75

Rates will be increasing again in January of 2012. At that point, there will still be a benefit to EZPass holders.

For us SE Michiganders, the rate will go from $2 (I-280 to US250) to $3. And unless you go travel the Turnpike more than 8 times a year, the E-ZPass won't save you money.

You should consider shopping around with respect to the EZPass. Friend of mine who uses the turnpike a lot says that he found a state (I think it was Maryland) that charged a reduce fee (or no fee at all) compared to the Ohio fees for the pass and you can use it on any toll road that accepts the pass.

Illinois and I believe Indiana only charge a one time fee for the pass ($10) then you never pay a cent in fees after that.

I took 90 seconds and looked up your info for you. Here's a list of fees by State.

Note that some agencies use some trickery and incentives to urge only local residents to use their system, so I'd say it would be a really good idea to read all the fine print if you're someone who could benefit from this system.

The fee aside, there is a savings of time and fuel. It may not be as obvious for the occasional turnpike user. But, this is very apparent while driving through places like Chicago.

Do they still have attendents to take your money or is it all EZPass

All lanes can accommodate EZPass. Some lanes have attendants and can accommodate cash payments also.

No, the attendants aren't going away. In fact, most toll booths along the OH Turnpike won't have dedicated EZPass lanes.

I am waiting for my transponder to arrive. I travel the turnpike multiple times a week, so I am hoping it really does speed up the process.

It won't help much at plazas that don't have dedicated lanes yet. But, everywhere else, you'll just buzz right through.

I was jealous the other day, the EZ Pass lane had no one in it and I was waiting in the normal line lol

I had been debating about it for a while, then when I saw the toll increase, and for how much I travel the pike, I decided to go for it.

Not a bad idea.

Was thinking of getting a EZpass after our last trip to the east coast.

I lived in Chicago for a few years, so I have one, and I've been waiting for a long time for Ohio to get this. Hooray, technology.

Ohio is a decade behind the other states that have them.

kylepark said:
Ohio is a decade behind the other states that _______________ (fill in the blank).

Fixed that for ya.

lol Thanks. I really didn't want get into detail of how I really feel about it. ;)

Jason Hammond said:
It won't help much at plazas that don't have dedicated lanes yet. But, everywhere else, you'll just buzz right through.

When I drove the turnpike today, the entrance from I-480 had a designated lane (and it was empty...man can i not wait for that receiver to arrive...)

So far Both North Ridgeville Entrances (I-480) and the one off of Lorain Road and the Route 57 are switching lanes based on traffic and need.

It's about freaking time Ohio decided to institute EZ Pass. Oklahoma (A state most here would probably feel is behind the times) has had their Pikepass system for a long long time.

I've got both a Pikepass and an I-Pass. The I-Pass is compatible with the EZ-pass systems, including Ohio. There was a $10 deposit on the actual pass, and $40 prepaid tolls. Between all the times I drive through the Chicago area to go storm chasing, plus Indiana turnpike (and now Ohio Turnpike) I've gone through almost the entire $40 in one year.

Now I just need to get a K-Tag for the KS Turnpike :)