News

More than half of Florida's Turnpike tolls use SunPass self-service

June 29, 2004

MIAMI - State officials plan to introduce a low-priced SunPass model that can be activated or renewed with cash at retail outlets or kiosks, according to an article on Florida Today. The new system should be in place within three years.

The move is in response to the popularity of the SunPass system. More than half of Florida's toll-paying drivers are now using SunPass electronic transponders instead of
We're incredibly pleased that we've reached our target - and way ahead of schedule," said Chris Warren, the turnpike's chief operating officer.

There are 1.4 million SunPass transponders in circulation, with two-thirds of those purchased by Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County drivers. The system's popularity has forced officials to redesign some toll plazas to add more SunPass-only lanes.

The state provides financial incentives for using the electronic system. SunPass drivers pay 6 cents per mile, 1.5 cents less than drivers who pay in cash. Critics of the system complain that the working poor cannot afford the $25 transponder, and people without credit cards or bank accounts are not eligible for the system.