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scottt
Moderator
415 Posts |
 Posted - 12/02/2014 : 08:47:11
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| Since the lanes are opening this month, have you noticed if the drivers have their EZ Pass flex transponders yet? I don't see too many of them. Wonder how many will be caught without them when they flip the switch. |
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KeithO
Average Member
76 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2014 : 12:22:39
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As a rider, I've been trying to notice (if they have one or not) when getting into a car and commenting positively to the driver if they have one or inquiring about their intentions to get one if they do not. I try to inquire to both about their intentions to continue using the slug system. I think as riders we have a responsibility to make sure the system remains viable.
KeithO |
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DC2RV
Advanced Member
610 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2014 : 14:26:26
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| Yup - many of the Rolling Valley drivers have either already gotten the new Flex pass or have stated an intent to. I bought mine at Giant about a month ago. Normally I slug, but I've been driving lately. |
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eao
Average Member
USA
72 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2014 : 08:38:16
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| Many may be doing what I did which is not putting the device up until it is absolutely necessary. I have had mine for several weeks but due to the fact that I only drive one day a week I won't put it up until the lanes have actually been converted over and I have to drive up. |
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mpatoka
Senior Member Member
USA
137 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2014 : 10:20:47
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Of the few times it has come up in conversation, the drivers already had or were aware they needed it but that's a very small number. A few of my coworkers picked theirs up this week. Most of them would drive SOV before/after HOV hours so I think they are planning on picking up slugs now.
I think the casual drivers that don't drive or slug most days may not be aware they need the Flex. There was an article in the paper last week that said only 1/3 of survey respondents knew that it will now be HOV/HOT 24-hours a day and that the "free ride non-HOV" hours will no longer be in existance. |
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abdd8pd
New Member
8 Posts |
Posted - 12/11/2014 : 17:24:52
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| Beginning July 1st 2015, users who have not used their Flex transponder for HOV transactions on Express Lanes for any prior six month period will be required to exchange their Flex transponder for a standard transponder (at no cost) or be subject to a one-time transponder functionality upgrade fee of $10. This only applies to transponders issued after October 1st 2014. (From https://www.ezpassva.com/EZPages/Get-Flex.aspx). |
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snlfam
Junior Member
31 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2014 : 10:33:08
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quote:
Originally posted by abdd8pd
Beginning July 1st 2015, users who have not used their Flex transponder for HOV transactions on Express Lanes for any prior six month period will be required to exchange their Flex transponder for a standard transponder (at no cost) or be subject to a one-time transponder functionality upgrade fee of $10. This only applies to transponders issued after October 1st 2014. (From https://www.ezpassva.com/EZPages/Get-Flex.aspx).
Why in the world would they charge people for having a Flex Transponder? It they have a Flex and use it only for tolls, doesn't that benefit the company? Or what I am more worried about is my wife who has a Flex transponder (there are always more than 3 people in her minivan) but rarely travels on I-95. She still had to pay the $35 to get the device...
On the flip side, this may encourage more people to pick up slugs... at least once every 6 months. |
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scottt
Moderator
415 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2014 : 09:33:28
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| I have two EZPass Flexes. The one for our minivan may not see action every six months, so I set a calendar reminder to switch passes and use that one in my car at least once every six months. No biggie. |
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USA
Advanced Member
296 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2014 : 10:55:48
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quote:
Originally posted by snlfam
Why in the world would they charge people for having a Flex Transponder? It they have a Flex and use it only for tolls, doesn't that benefit the company? Or what I am more worried about is my wife who has a Flex transponder (there are always more than 3 people in her minivan) but rarely travels on I-95. She still had to pay the $35 to get the device...
On the flip side, this may encourage more people to pick up slugs... at least once every 6 months.
"Benefit the company"? I assume you mean Transurban? No, if you have an E-ZPass Flex and use it solely for tolls, presumably a lot of your driving is on roads other than the I-95 and I-495 express lanes. That toll revenue doesn't go to Transurban.
Remember that both the E-ZPass (regular device) and the E-ZPass Flex are issued by VDOT (or Maryland). Other toll agencies issue the standard E-ZPass, but only Virginia and Maryland issue the Flex. Transurban doesn't issue the device. It costs VDOT more to purchase the Flex devices than it does to purchase the standard devices, so if people aren't using the Flex for the intended purpose of carpooling, VDOT apparently wants to recoup the extra cost. |
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EZ Pass Flex
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