NH Gets the EZ Pass

This is long overdue, but better late than never. Hopefully it will help ease traffic headed north for summer weekends.

The full info is below - here are the highlights :

1. Devices ordered today will arrive in mid-July.
2. Hookset is expected to be online first - again, in mid-July.
3. Discount for NH E-Z Pass Accounts will be 30% (vs 50% for tokens).
4. MA Fast Lane Accounts will work, but no discount will be given.

Bottom Line: I've ordered NH EZ Pass transponders for both our cars, but will probably continue to use tokens in non-traffic conditions.

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On June 2, 2005, a resolution to move forward with the implementation of E-ZPass was approved by Governor John Lynch and the Executive Council.

No transponders will be distributed from the walk-in centers during the initial enrollment period. All transponders purchased will be mailed to customers between the first and second week of July. The activation of the E-ZPass electronic tolling on the New Hampshire Turnpike System is expected to be phased in over several weeks, beginning with the Hooksett Tolls in mid-July. Under New Hampshire’s E-ZPass program, private accounts will receive a 30% discount with each toll transaction.

The highlights of the approved resolution are as follows:

• Transponders (both private and commercial) will be sold for $5.00 each until May 1, 2006. The cost for transponders after May 1, 2006 will be at the wholesale price to the State.
• There will be no monthly account maintenance fee.
• Monthly statements will be available via the internet for free or to receive home or business mailings at a cost of $1.00 per month for private accounts and $2.00 per month for commercial accounts.
• The discount rate for private NH E-ZPass accounts (4 transponders or less) has been set at 30%.
• The discount rate for commercial NH E-ZPass accounts (5 transponders or more) has been set at 10%.
• Only NH E-ZPass accounts with NH transponders will receive a discount when the E-ZPass system is used for toll fare payment at NH toll plazas.
• E-ZPass Transponders from other states (Maine, Fast Lane (MA), NY etc.) will work at NH toll plazas when the system is deployed.
• NH Turnpike tokens will continue to be sold and accepted for toll fare payment until July 1, 2007.
• The token discount will remain at 50%.
• E-ZPass is a prepaid system.
• Private accounts, with one to two transponders on the account, will require an initial toll revenue deposit of $30.00.
• Private accounts, with three to four transponders on the account, will require an initial toll revenue deposit of $60.00.
• Commercial accounts (5 or more transponders) will require an initial prepaid toll revenue deposit of $75.00 per transponder on the account.

It is anticipated that on June 20, 2005, customers will be able to open E-ZPass accounts via the internet, phone, fax or local NH walk-in centers located in Hooksett, Nashua and Seabrook, NH.

http://www.nh.gov/dot/turnpikes/ezpass.htm

and

http://www.ezpassnh.com/static/faq/index.shtml