SunPass

[1000th happy haunt]

We have the newest model transponder and can easily open the battery case with a dime (literally). So we don't have to go to a Radio Shack in Florida for the proper tool to open the battery case. This was something I asked SunPass before buying from them--which unit are they currently selling.

A friend bought her SunPass back in 2004 when she moved to Florida, and it's still working (except she also had to replace the battery). And the transponder we bought comes with a two-year warranty.

 

[safetymom]

Lowes was replacing the batteries free for awhile. My son replaces mine with no problem and it is the older model.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

On roads operated by the Turnpike Authority those with transponders receive on the spot discounts at most toll plazas. For instance, on Florida's Turnpike the mainline plaza between I-75 and Orlando charges $2.50 for cars without a transponder but only $2.00 to cars with a transponder. A car coming from Fort Lauderdale to I-4 in Orlando is charged $15.70 without a transponder and $12.40 with a transponder. Most tolls at exits are 25-cents less with a transponder. It doesn't matter which of the Florida-based transponders you have, you get the discount.

On roads operated by the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority only those with their transponder (E-PASS) save and it's not on the spot. You have to spend a certain minimum in tolls each month (I think $50) and then they give a discount/rebate back to the prepaid account.

The transponders last a long time; you won't have to replace it. As far as battery changes go, a Sunpass is easy to open and takes a regular battery. E-PASS is much more difficult to open and you should take that to Orlando-area Lowes for a free replacement. Batteries last many years because power is only used at a toll point as well as at the many traffic density monitoring points on Orlando arterial roads.

Expressway Authority roads include:
TOLL 408 - East West Expressway
TOLL 414 - Apopka Bypass (under construction)
TOLL 417 - Central Florida Greeneway (Orange County only)
TOLL 429 - Western Beltway from Apopka to Siedel Road
TOLL 528 - Beachline Expressway between the Airport and Brevard County
EA toll booths display the E-PASS symbol.

Turnpike Enterprise roads in the Orlando area include:
Florida's Turnpike
TOLL 417 - Seminole Expressway (the Greeneway in Seminole County)
TOLL 417 - Southern Connecter (the Greeneway in Osceola County)
TOLL 429 - Siedel Road south to I-4 (west of Disney)
TOLL 528 - Beachline Expressway between the Airport and I-4

Their toll booths display the Sunpass symbol.

The biggest advantage of the transponders is not the toll savings (which is good too) but not having to stop to pay. All Expressway Authority mainline plazas now have or soon will have "open-road tolling" where cash payers are diverted onto an side road to stop and pay while those with transponders continue straight ahead at expressway speeds. Sunpass also has this at one brand new plaza on the 429 south of Disney.

BobK/Orlando

 

[ducklite]

On roads operated by the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority only those with their transponder (E-PASS) save and it's not on the spot. You have to spend a certain minimum in tolls each month (I think $50) and then they give a discount/rebate back to the prepaid account.

Which explains why I've never gotten a discount on the 429. I don't think I've ever gone over $20 in total tolls in a month--even that would be rare. Normally it's around $10.

Anne

 

[RAD]

I've had mine for three or four years just for when I visit the mouse, always hated having to dig for money as soon as I got out of the airport.

One other thing it's good for is paying for parking at MCO's lot, just pull up to the gate and go.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Airport parking at MCO is a great feature too. I understand that Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is supposed to be next but I've not heard a start date.

The parking toll booths at Orlando Airport are an example of displaying both the E-PASS and Sunpass logos jointly:

http://www.sunpass.com/airportparking.cfm

Ducklite: Lucky you! (...cause that means you're not getting hit with as many tolls as I do!!)

BobK/Orlando

 

[ducklite]

Ducklite: Lucky you! (...cause that means you're not getting hit with as many tolls as I do!!)

BobK/Orlando

It was one of the biggest motivating factors for accepting my job. I could have made 30% more working downtown, but it would have meant tolls on the Tpke and the 408, parking fees, and a business attire dress code.

Instead I drive "all the way" to Winter Garden, wear casual business casual to work, and park for free. And don't have to deal with traffic.

Sometimes not making as much money has its benefits.

About once a month I head over to Millenia and Florida Mall, a few times a month I'm on the Tpke to Universal, and on the 429 to Disney after work. That's pretty much it for tolls for this girl!

Anne

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Well I live in Winter Garden Anne but work in Maitland, so the 429 is a daily ritual for me. Do that 5 roundtrips per week and throw in a few visits to downtown and the malls you mentioned and it's $$$.

On the other hand I knew where the job was and chose to live here because the 429 was under construction and I knew it made the commute do-able. Being able to live close to the Mouse (and the other attractions as well) makes life here just a whole lot of fun! You're close to all that too....plus you've got mountains!

BobK/Orlando

 

[ducklite]

Well I live in Winter Garden Anne but work in Maitland, so the 429 is a daily ritual for me. Do that 5 roundtrips per week and throw in a few visits to downtown and the malls you mentioned and it's $$$.

On the other hand I knew where the job was and chose to live here because the 429 was under construction and I knew it made the commute do-able. Being able to live close to the Mouse (and the other attractions as well) makes life here just a whole lot of fun! You're close to all that too....plus you've got mountains!
BobK/Orlando

I love telling people that if they want to know where I live, look on Mapquest and find "Orange Mountain" just north of Lake Louisa. That's me. They still don't believe there are mountains in Florida. They are right but we don't need to tell them that Orange Mountain is really no more than a tall hill.

(Sorry for taking this thread so OT)

Anne

 

[leanne11]

i hate all those tolls, pls tell me if it is worth it for me, so i pay $25 and then do they deduct the tolls from the $25, what if i don't use all the money on the tag?

 

[1000th happy haunt]

You pay $25 for the transponder, and another $25 that the tolls are deducted from.

SunPass is for those people who use the toll roads regularly. If you don't use up all the money, then it's saved for the next time you're on a Florida toll road. You can choose whether you want the amount replenished automatically (when you drop below $10), or you can choose to replenish it as needed.

 

[SuperD316]

Hey everyone. I'm sure this isn't the right place but I figured I'd ask anyways. The battery cover on my sunpass broke right before my trip and sunpass says it doesnt have a replacement because they went solar powered. Does anyone know where to get a replacement battery cover?
Thanks..

P.S. does anyone know anyone who works for Disney? I'm an artist and a people person and would love to work for them , but I'd like to find someone on the inside.
Thank you.

 

[seashoreCM]

Some EZ Pass states including New Hampshire and Maine give toll discounts only to hoders of that state's transponders. You can have more than one transponder, in order to have one for each state you visit often.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Hey everyone. I'm sure this isn't the right place but I figured I'd ask anyways. The battery cover on my sunpass broke right before my trip and sunpass says it doesnt have a replacement because they went solar powered. Does anyone know where to get a replacement battery cover?

I doubt you'll locate a cover unless you buy a used deactivated unit from someone. Did you check eBay?

BobK/Orlando