The in basket: Curiosity about what to expect from electronic
toll collecting at the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge is peaking, with a
lot of questions coming to the Road Warrior about it. There are so
many, I’ll be addressing them in groups over time.
Denis LaCrosse asks, “Lacking a front plate, are we antique owners
getting a free pass? Granted, we don’t use them daily, but how are
we going to be caught, if we cheat?”
Scott Minard read that the transponder cards the electronic readers
read should be someone horizontal and expects problems with the
vertical windshield on his Jeep Wrangler.
The in basket: Curiosity about what to expect from electronic toll
collecting at the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge is peaking, with a lot
of questions coming to the Road Warrior about it. There are so
many, I’ll be addressing them in groups over time.
Denis LaCrosse asks, “Lacking a front plate, are we antique owners
getting a free pass? Granted, we don’t use them daily, but how are
we going to be caught, if we cheat?”
Scott Minard read that the transponder cards the electronic readers
read should be someone horizontal and expects problems with the
vertical windshield on his Jeep Wrangler. He asks whether people
whose car’s design will frustrate the electronic toll collection
will get any warning before receiving a citation in the mail after
crossing once tolls begin.
Denise’s question reminded me of an issue I’ve addressed here
before, the large number of vehicles with no front plate despite
state law requiring one. I’ve been counting as I drive along and
estimate that one vehicle in every 30 or so has no front plate.
The out basket: Janet Matkin, spokeswoman for the Good to Go!
transponder program, says “Photos are taken of both front and rear
license plates. Therefore, those vehicles without a front license
plate will still be able to have their Good To Go! account
information verified and violators will be identified.”
As for Scott’s question, Janet said, “During testing of the Good To
Go! system, we incorporated a variety of vehicles, including those
with non-traditional windshield configurations. The only
windshields that presented problems were those with metallic
shading.
“A list of those vehicles is available at the customer service
center. Anyone who thinks they might have metallic shading should
call the toll-free number at (866) 936-8246 to verify if they are
on the list.
“If they are on the list, they will be issued a license
plate-mounted transponder free-of-charge. In addition, the customer
service representatives will be watching for vehicles on the list
as they fill orders and will automatically issue a license-plate
mounted transponder to those customers.”
Soon, before the new bridge is open, the electronic sensors will
begin reading transponders on cars passing the toll plaza as they
approach the existing bridge . The trip will be recorded in the
driver’s Good to Go! account, but no money will be deducted.
Transponder holders can find out if their transponder is working
properly by checking their account online to see if the trips
they’ve made across the bridge have been entered. But wait until
you hear that the test reading has begun. That should be in late
May.
