Toll roads

[glwilson]

My bet.... coins only. Never seen any other type from east to west.

You don't have the time to mess around with a dollar-changer.

Now, if the booth has an attendant; they'll make change for you from paper money.

[skeeterv]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Just another way of government complicating people's lives.

Joel, I dug a little deeper in that website and found most of the information I was looking for. I still don't know if the toll booths/collection receptacles accept coins only or coins and bills.

I suppose I've led a sheltered life. ::)

Coins only at the baskets and no paper money change machines. At attended booths, paper money is allowed at those.

Skeeter

[waterman]

Originally Posted by glwilson

My bet.... coins only. Never seen any other type from east to west.

You don't have the time to mess around with a dollar-changer.

Now, if the booth has an attendant; they'll make change for you from paper money.

The toll road in Colorado, they take a picture of your plate and send you a bill later.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by waterman

The toll road in Colorado, they take a picture of your plate and send you a bill later.

Convenient; but expensive for them to spend 43 cents for every toll they collect. Doesn't seem to be too efficient of a system; unless their tolls are expensive.

[Sin City Stan]

Originally Posted by glwilson

They are not likely coming after you if this was a long time ago. However within the last several years they have gone "all-out" to follow up with offenders no matter where they live.

I have an I-pass; but still received fines from them once. They included pictures of my car and license plate for each violation.

It was my car and license plate alright. I remembered going thru the tolls; but couldn't figure why they were fining me when I had the I-pass and plenty of money in the account.

Come to find out. Each I-pass can only be assigned to two cars at once. Apparently I didn't update my account with my new car and plate number -- thus they fined me.

I was able to resolve it and have the fines removed once I called in to explain.

Once in a while we'll read where someone gets caught and fined. It seems each fine is somewhere around $75. Far more than just paying the toll.

Regarding toll-roads in OK; it is likely the only way to pay for them given the population in that state. So I don't believe taxpayers in OK are covering the cost of toll-roads -- but rather those who use them. More of a user's tax; which I don't mind. If you don't use it... you don't pay for it.

In Illinois, taxpayers do not pay for those roads either. Only users pay for it. However, Illinois does have the population to pay for it if they wanted; but instead the "corruption" in this state from many years back thought of the idea as a way to make "extra-money" without having to fully-account for it. For many years you would hear about politicians getting busted for taking money from the toll-system. I do believe they have cleaned it up a bit since then; but I have also noticed it hasn't gone away either!!

The Illinois Tollway Authority has an infamous history. When I was in a position to know such things about 15-20 years ago the NW Tollway took in over $300,000,000 dollars a year in dimes, nickles and quarters. Think about that for a minute. $300,000,000 in loose change. We're talking tonnage here. It was the ultimate piggy bank and was used accordingly. The I-Pass system was instituted more to get control of the money than help traffic flow.

Now as far as paying to use the road. I have to say in the Winter months the Tollway was the first highway in the area that was plowed. They have a "dry road" policy in the Winter. The downside is that the salt accumulations get pretty deep as the Winter goes on.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Here in Alabama I think we might have one or two toll highways. I have not been on them though. When I was in the service had to go through a few and also when I drove an 18 wheeler. I would carry a lot of coins in an easy to get to area. When you come to a toll booth go through the lane that you toss the coins in. Toss in the correct amount and you will get a green light to go ahead. Or you can pay an attendant. Just faster to use the lanes with the coin area.

Once while young a stupid when I was in the Navy and driving my new 1970 GTO on Long Island or Staten Island, New York. Drinking of course with buddies. Went in the lane for the coin toss. Tossed a handful of pennies in it and tore out. Never heard anything from them. Who knows they may still be looking for me 40 years later.

[waterman]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Convenient; but expensive for them to spend 43 cents for every toll they collect. Doesn't seem to be too efficient of a system; unless their tolls are expensive.

They figured it was cheaper than paying all of the booth attendants.

[Loafer]

CJ, don't sweat the toll booths. They are not that complicated. I carry change in an outside pocket
of my jacket. Pull up, put it in neutral, take a glove off, give them their toll, put
the glove back on, shift and go. If someone honks their horn, well, it just sucks to be them.

[ringadingh]

We have probably got the most expensive toll road in the world here. Our Province sold it after they couldn't make money at it. Then it was sold to a private company in France that has increased the rates extremely high. If you travel the road for about 60 miles you can expect to pay about $40.00, it a little cheaper if you have a transponder that bills your account.
I use it all the time on my bike but the cameras cant read my plate since its too far under the beerbox.
In fact a few years ago I loaned mu brother inlaw a trailer, we both recieved bills sionce it read his truck plate and my trailer plate.
They also have a deal with the Province that if you have any amount outstanding from using the road you cannot get your licence sticker renewed. Hows that for gauranteed income.

[waterman]

I can now tell you what it costs for the toll road in Colorado. For 35 miles it was $11.70. Wife drove it a month ago and just received the bill.

[fish]

I went through a toll lane with the van and didn't have the transponder thinking they will get the plate number by a picture and bill by account but they never did

[ringadingh]

When Im in NY I'll travel it for a 100 miles and its only $2.85.
Here its almost $7.00 fore the service charge to mail you the invoice.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

When Im in NY I'll travel it for a 100 miles and its only $2.85.
Here its almost $7.00 fore the service charge to mail you the invoice.

Now we know who invented the concept of price-gouging....the Canadians!

[ringadingh]

No it was the French, they own the highway now.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by loafer

CJ, don't sweat the toll booths. They are not that complicated. I carry change in an outside pocket
of my jacket. Pull up, put it in neutral, take a glove off, give them their toll, put
the glove back on, shift and go. If someone honks their horn, well, it just sucks to be them.

You certainly have not been on Illinois tollways!!!

When they honk around here... they're after you down the road!