All-Electronic (Cashless) Tolling - Frequently Asked Questions
In summer 2020, All-Electronic (Cashless) Tolling (AET) is coming to the Maryland Transportation Authority’s (MDTA) Bay Bridge (US 50/301). The following Frequently Asked Questions are provided to help you find out more about AET and what it means for you!
What is All Electronic (Cashless) Tolling / AET?
With AET, cash is not accepted as payment. Drivers do not have to stop to pay tolls, as overhead gantries collect tolls electronically by E-ZPass® or Video Tolling. Cashless toll facilities already operating in Maryland include the Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, the I-95 Express Toll Lanes and Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) in Baltimore, and the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) in Cecil and Harford counties.
What are the benefits of AET?
The benefits of AET include toll rate savings for customers, less idling time for better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, decreased congestion, increased driver safety and a safer work environment for employees. Each year, Marylanders will save $1 million and 44,000 hours in fuel and time savings just by not stopping at toll booths.
Once the toll plazas are removed, customers will have the added benefit of travelling at highway speeds. Other tolling agencies around the country have experienced up to 70% reductions in accidents near toll plazas, following cashless conversions. This will be a significant safety improvement for all of our customers and our workforce.
What will I “see” as the MDTA converts the Bay Bridge to AET?
Motorists will see demolition of two of the existing toll booths to create wider lanes at the Bay Bridge plaza in preparation for all-electronic tolling. On the Eastern Shore side of the bridge, crews also will prepare for installation of overhead tolling gantries between the Bay Bridge and MD 8 on Kent Island.
Toll operations will no longer exist approaching the bridge from Annapolis once the overhead tolling gantries are operational on Kent Island. Motorists traveling eastbound will be tolled as they get off the bridge.
What is the timeline for AET conversion at the Bay Bridge?
The toll gantry will be installed March/April 2020. AET will be in place by summer 2020. While all-electronic tolling will be fully implemented by summer, remnants of the toll plaza will remain until 2022, when demolition and roadway reconstruction will be complete.
Where will the Bay Bridge toll gantry be located?
The gantry will be located on the Eastern Shore side above eastbound US 50 between the Bay Bridge and MD 8 on Kent Island.
How do I sign up for E-ZPass® Maryland?
You can sign up for E-ZPass® Maryland at DriveEzMD.com, by visiting any of the E-ZPass® Maryland Customer Service Centers located adjacent to our facilities, at many Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration locations or our retail partners. A full list of locations is available at DriveEzMD.com.
