Drivers using the Atlantic City Expressway will no longer be able to pay tolls with cash starting this Sunday. The South Jersey Transportation Authority is implementing a fully cashless system on the 44.2-mile highway, marking a significant shift for motorists traveling between Washington Township, Gloucester County, and Atlantic City.
The new system means all tolls will be collected electronically. This move aims to streamline traffic flow and modernize the toll collection process across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Cash tolls end on the Atlantic City Expressway this Sunday.
- E-ZPass users will continue with their existing billing.
- Non-E-ZPass drivers will use Toll-By-Plate, receiving mailed invoices.
- Toll-By-Plate rates are more than double E-ZPass rates.
- This system may serve as a model for the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike.
How the New System Works
For drivers who already use E-ZPass, the transition will be seamless. Their E-ZPass accounts will continue to be billed as usual. This method remains the most cost-effective option for frequent travelers on the expressway.
However, motorists without an E-ZPass will now be enrolled in the Toll-By-Plate program. Under this system, cameras will capture an image of the vehicle's license plate as it passes through the toll plaza. An invoice for the toll amount will then be mailed to the address registered to the vehicle.
Did You Know?
Approximately 91% of Atlantic City Expressway drivers already use E-ZPass, based on data from October. This high adoption rate helped pave the way for the cashless conversion.
Understanding Toll-By-Plate Charges
The Toll-By-Plate system comes with a higher cost compared to E-ZPass. Driving the entire length of the Atlantic City Expressway using Toll-By-Plate will cost $13.60. This is more than double the E-ZPass rate, which stands at $6.30 for the same journey.
The increased charge for Toll-By-Plate users covers the additional administrative and processing expenses involved in identifying vehicles, generating invoices, and mailing them to drivers. This pricing structure encourages drivers to adopt E-ZPass for savings and convenience.
"The new cashless system is designed to improve efficiency and reduce congestion, but drivers without E-ZPass should be aware of the higher costs associated with Toll-By-Plate," a spokesperson for the South Jersey Transportation Authority stated.
A Blueprint for Future Toll Roads
The implementation of cashless tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway is not an isolated event. Officials view this system as a potential model for other major New Jersey roadways.
There are plans for the eventual elimination of cash tolls on both the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. These busier highways could see similar electronic tolling systems in the future, following the success and lessons learned from the Atlantic City Expressway's transition.
Broader Trends in Tolling
Other major transportation authorities, such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, already employ similar systems. The Port Authority, which manages crossings like the Lincoln and Holland tunnels and the George Washington Bridge, also charges non-E-ZPass customers higher rates to cover billing and administrative costs. This approach is becoming standard across the region.
Timeline and Preparations
The initial target date for the cashless system was May 2025. However, officials decided to bring the change forward to avoid construction and operational adjustments during the busy summer travel season. The Atlantic City Expressway experiences its highest traffic volumes during these months, making a pre-summer transition more practical.
Drivers are encouraged to prepare for the change by considering an E-ZPass account if they do not already have one. This will not only save them money but also ensure a smoother journey through the toll plazas.
Benefits of Cashless Tolling
- Reduced Congestion: Eliminating cash transactions speeds up traffic flow at toll booths.
- Improved Safety: Fewer lane changes and less sudden braking near toll plazas can enhance road safety.
- Environmental Impact: Less idling at toll booths can lead to reduced vehicle emissions.
- Modernization: Aligns with national trends towards automated and efficient infrastructure.
The move to cashless tolls represents a significant modernization effort for New Jersey's transportation infrastructure. While it requires an adjustment for some drivers, it promises long-term benefits in efficiency and convenience for all expressway users.
