VDOT released the following information on the new E-ZPass fee structure that takes effect Sept. 1, 2012:
Current E-ZPass customers with open accounts as of July 9, 2012 will not be charged a monthly fee until they replace their existing transponder or add a new one to their account. They will then be charged a 50-cent monthly fee per new standard transponder or a $1 monthly fee per new Flex transponder. The fee is applicable to new transponders obtained after July 9, 2012.
New E-ZPass customers opening accounts after July 9, 2012 will be charged a 50-cent monthly fee per standard transponder or a $1 monthly fee per Flex transponder.
Flex transponders will be charged the lower standard transponder fee (50-cents) until January 1, 2013 after the 495 Express Lanes open. Then the monthly fee will be $1 per Flex transponder. The fee will be waived when the Flex transponder is used exclusively for carpooling on the 495 Express Lanes and the future 95 Express Lanes.
E-ZPass Flex customers – Motorists planning to carpool in the 495 Express Lanes and the future 95 Express Lanes will need to obtain an “E-ZPass Flex” transponder, which will allow them to ride the Express Lanes for free. The Flex transponder is switched to the “HOV” position when three or more persons are carpooling. The monthly fee will be waived when the Flex transponder is used exclusively in the “HOV” mode on the Express Lanes. However, a $1 monthly fee will apply if the Flex transponder is used in the non-HOV mode on the Express Lanes or on other toll facilities. The fee will also apply if the Flex is not used at all.
For more information on E-ZPass, go to www.EZPassVA.com.
