E-Pass vs. Rental Car Toll Charge

[Akck]

In September, I rented a car from Alamo for 6 days and used their toll service. Tolls occurred over 2 days (first & last days), which incurred a $7.90 fee. Tolls totaled $9.40 which included 2 charges for the Beachline ($3.55 x 2), and a JetP on charge ($2.30), for a total of $17.30.

In October, I learned about the UNI transponder and ordered one for $14.95 plus $10 deposit for toll charges. We rented another car from Alamo for our December trip. While our tolls were different this trip we did take the same roads as above. The E-Pass tolls for the above were $1.95 x 2 plus $1.15 for the gas stop, but I also received a credit for $1.15. The comparable toll total is $3.90 providing a savings of $13.40 over the car rental rate.

While E-Pass savings aren’t as large compared to paying cash, you do save on tolls and you have the convenience of not needing to stop at a toll booth.

 

[Spartan86]

We had been bringing our occasional use Ohio EZpass for the airport to property tolls via 417 to exit 6/I drive. Having learned here about UNI we also ordered one and returned our EZpass as the UNI is so widely accepted to include anywhere we would likely drive. We just returned from a 10 day trip that included Sarasota and Tampa areas as well as WDW. It was nice to be Able to take whichever route we wanted to as UNi is good throughout FL. As is often mentioned however I think the add/remove vehicle process could be far better within the E-PASS/UNI app.

 

[Lewisc]

In some areas a locally issued EZ Pass offers discounts not extended to other EZ Pass drivers. Don't assume replacing your local ezpass with a uni Pass is always a good idea

 

[joelkfla]

In some areas a locally issued EZ Pass offers discounts not extended to other EZ Pass drivers. Don't assume replacing your local ezpass with a uni Pass is always a good idea

NYC being the most glaring case.

 

[Lewisc]

NYC being the most glaring case.

Not just NYC, NY State Thruway discounts NY issued EZ Pass holders.

 

[Spartan86]

In some areas a locally issued EZ Pass offers discounts not extended to other EZ Pass drivers. Don't assume replacing your local ezpass with a uni Pass is always a good idea

Good point! Didn’t know that. Calculating fares and comparing my statement it looks like the OH turnpike does not “penalize” the UNI fare .

 

[EACarlson]

Good point! Didn’t know that. Calculating fares and comparing my statement it looks like the OH turnpike does not “penalize” the UNI fare .

In most places other than NY and MA the difference is usually negligible. I believe IN charges an extra three cents on each toll if you use an IPass from IL. I also did not know that some states that issue EZ Pass charge a fee. So for my family in NW Indiana and SW MI, it's much cheaper to pay the three cent fee to use an IPass than it is to pay the $1.25 monthly fee for an IN EZ Pass to use the IN Toll Road.

 

[gharter]

Previously, we were able to get a free Sunpass at the airport. this was a great option. currently, it has not been available.
All you can do, is calculate the differences in cost and see what is your best option.