WSDOT releases tools for paying tolls

With tolling soon to begin on the State Route 520 bridge, the Washington State Department of Transportation debuted new options for electronic tolling payments.

With tolling soon to begin on the State Route 520 bridge, the Washington State Department of Transportation debuted new options for electronic tolling payments.

These options represent a more technological outlet of tolling. Rather than waiting in line at a toll both, this technology allows for transponders to read passes and deduct money from a prepaid account.

The new tolling passes, including smaller and movable options, will be available to drivers in early 2011, prior to the start of tolling on SR 520. They will offer a wider range of options for paying tolls on all Good To Go! toll roads in Washington.

New pass options will be offered in tandem with the opening of the new tolling customer service centers in the SR-520 corridor early next year. SR-520 motorists who typically don’t use any of the other toll roads are encouraged to wait until after the first of the year to establish accounts to take advantage of special incentives.

The following represent the new toll pass options.

Standard sticker pass

A non-movable sticker about the size of a Band-Aid, this compact pass is barely noticeable when attached to a windshield near the rearview mirror. At $5, it’s expected to be the most popular new option.

Standard movable pass

Designed for those who want a single pass for multiple vehicles, this product is easy to move between vehicles. The $8 pass adheres to the windshield with Velcro behind the rearview mirror. It must be mounted to work correctly.

Movable pass with on/off option

Ideal for those who carpool in the HOT lanes, this transponder has an on/off switch to deactivate it when driving with a passenger in the HOT lane. This $12 pass also attaches with Velcro to the windshield behind the rearview mirror.

Motorcycle sticker pass

This non-transferable sticker pass is transparent and adheres to a motorcycle’s headlamp. It’s virtually invisible once attached. Motorcycle passes will retail for $8.

External mount license plate pass

The external pass might be a good alternative for people looking for something other than a windshield-mounted transponder. This weather-resistant transponder attaches with screws horizontally to the front license plate. While removable, this $12 pass is not intended for frequent switching between vehicles.