This is our experience with Sunpass as a one-time visitor to Orlando. Doesn't really matter who's in the wrong (I could be, or Sunpass could be), but just a headsup for any other visitors from far away.
We flew from Vancouver to Orlando at the beginning of the month, drove to Palm Beach and then back. By the time I finished all my Sunpass research, it was too late to order one online. I was aware of the conveniance fee charged by Budget if we didn't have one, so I took care to avoid toll roads until we got one.
Arrived in Orlando, picked up car at Budget (FastBreak is highly suggested, free membership), no problem here. On a side note we got a Ford Focus with 9 miles on the odometer and fresh car smell, wow.
At 2:35 PM we drove to the closest CVS and bought a Sunpass Mini for $5+tax, and activated it with $15 (no activation $5 credit promo any more) + topped up account using cell phone + data (T-mobile's $3 a day unlimited data and unlocked phone), no problem here.
According to MiniWebPDF_E.pdf on Sunpass' website, after activation you SHOULD be able to use Epass and Sunpass only lanes. Problem. Can't post links with under 10 posts, but should be easy to find on Google. Relevant text below:
HOW SOON CAN YOU USE
YOUR SUNPASS?
Activation allows you to use your SunPass transponder
through the "SUNPASS ONLY", "E-PASS ONLY" and
"LEEWAY ONLY" lanes immediately. Please wait until
6:00AM of the morning following activation before using
your SunPass through other lanes.
Having read the above statement, I thought I was home free after activating it.
At 2:50 PM we drove the 528 Beachline to Cocoa from Goldenrod Plaza, expecting it to pick up as I used the Epass only lanes until we reached the I95 (it says so right on the activation instructions!). It did not.
The turnpike charges returning from Palm Beach, and the charges going to the airport were properly billed.
2 weeks later we receive a bill from E-toll/Budget charging us $14.95 convenience fee (the max)+cash toll rate of $2 for the 528.
Called Sunpass, they say it might take overnight to update the system to partner authorities (even though it says immediately available), can't do anything about tolls since it was billed by the owners of Epass, too bad.
Called Epass, stonewalled by an agent who wouldn't retroactively charge a working transponder since it was already billed to another customer (the rental company).
Called Etoll, explained I had a personal Sunpass transponder but it didn't pick up on that day, they agree to waive the conveniance fee for the trip except the day they billed us for. Figured this is an OK solution, so going to live with the $2.95+$2 charge and consider it a lesson learned.
Not really sure what the problem was:
Is it that Goldenrod Plaza entry and/or Cocoa exit a mixed use lane even though we kept to the far left and drove right through?
Does it actually take time for the Sunpass activation to go to partners even though their instructions say otherwise? I know they used to say 6 am the following day a few years ago. My timestamps for activation and for our entry onto the 528 show that I definitely activated it before going on the expressway.
We ripped off the sunpass mini and trashed it after returning the car, and have not received any charges on our account thereafter.
Hope this helps somebody!
We flew from Vancouver to Orlando at the beginning of the month, drove to Palm Beach and then back. By the time I finished all my Sunpass research, it was too late to order one online. I was aware of the conveniance fee charged by Budget if we didn't have one, so I took care to avoid toll roads until we got one.
Arrived in Orlando, picked up car at Budget (FastBreak is highly suggested, free membership), no problem here. On a side note we got a Ford Focus with 9 miles on the odometer and fresh car smell, wow.
At 2:35 PM we drove to the closest CVS and bought a Sunpass Mini for $5+tax, and activated it with $15 (no activation $5 credit promo any more) + topped up account using cell phone + data (T-mobile's $3 a day unlimited data and unlocked phone), no problem here.
According to MiniWebPDF_E.pdf on Sunpass' website, after activation you SHOULD be able to use Epass and Sunpass only lanes. Problem. Can't post links with under 10 posts, but should be easy to find on Google. Relevant text below:
HOW SOON CAN YOU USE
YOUR SUNPASS?
Activation allows you to use your SunPass transponder
through the "SUNPASS ONLY", "E-PASS ONLY" and
"LEEWAY ONLY" lanes immediately. Please wait until
6:00AM of the morning following activation before using
your SunPass through other lanes.
Having read the above statement, I thought I was home free after activating it.
At 2:50 PM we drove the 528 Beachline to Cocoa from Goldenrod Plaza, expecting it to pick up as I used the Epass only lanes until we reached the I95 (it says so right on the activation instructions!). It did not.
The turnpike charges returning from Palm Beach, and the charges going to the airport were properly billed.
2 weeks later we receive a bill from E-toll/Budget charging us $14.95 convenience fee (the max)+cash toll rate of $2 for the 528.
Called Sunpass, they say it might take overnight to update the system to partner authorities (even though it says immediately available), can't do anything about tolls since it was billed by the owners of Epass, too bad.
Called Epass, stonewalled by an agent who wouldn't retroactively charge a working transponder since it was already billed to another customer (the rental company).
Called Etoll, explained I had a personal Sunpass transponder but it didn't pick up on that day, they agree to waive the conveniance fee for the trip except the day they billed us for. Figured this is an OK solution, so going to live with the $2.95+$2 charge and consider it a lesson learned.
Not really sure what the problem was:
Is it that Goldenrod Plaza entry and/or Cocoa exit a mixed use lane even though we kept to the far left and drove right through?
Does it actually take time for the Sunpass activation to go to partners even though their instructions say otherwise? I know they used to say 6 am the following day a few years ago. My timestamps for activation and for our entry onto the 528 show that I definitely activated it before going on the expressway.
We ripped off the sunpass mini and trashed it after returning the car, and have not received any charges on our account thereafter.
Hope this helps somebody!
