Technology is starting to take a toll on me
It's been a while since I did a "technology I'd like to see" post. Today's post isn't so much a technology I'd like to see as much as it is a technology I wish they'd improve.
I have a toll tag on my car. For those of you not familiar with a toll tag, it's a little device that mounts on the inside of your windshield that sends a radio signal to a tollbooth when you pass through it. The signal uniquely identifies your car and your account number and any toll charges due are automatically deducted from your electronic account.
These toll tags have become wildly popular for a couple of reasons. First, generally you don't have to stop at a toll booth when you have a toll tag. In the Chicago area, for example, you don't even slow down to pay your toll. In fact, if you're not paying attention, you may not even realize you just paid a toll. Second, some states have started charging more for tolls when you don't have a toll tag.
So what's my improvement? Integration. I happen to have an Illinois toll tag--called an I-PASS. It works great in Illinois. But not so great in other states. I know I'm sounding picky but why can't one toll tag work with every single toll system across the country? I realize each system may be a little different but surely some techie out there can figure out a way for each toll tag to talk to each toll system. Techies have been doing this for decades with different computer systems. Heck, even a Mac can read a PC file now. C'mon!
And no, I don't travel around the country by RV, a la John Madden. That's not my point. My point is that it somehow irks me that when I take the kids on a road trip to Disney World, I have to stop at each Florida toll booth to pay cash while all of the SunPass drivers zoom on by.
I-PASS, meet SunPass. SunPass, say hello to I-PASS... please!
1 comment for this blog post so far...
May 06, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Mike R.
I-Pass is E-ZPass compatible and works in 12 states (primarily Northeastern states), which so far is the record for integration in the US.
...But I know what you mean (same deal with NY E-ZPass). I spend enough time in Florida, so I finally broke down and got a SunPass and registered it and started using it. A definite loss financially ($27-something for the SunPass with tax at Publix), but the convenience was hard to beat. (Card Sound road in Key Largo is the only Florida toll road I’ve found that doesn’t take it - $1 toll) My estimated break-even date on toll discounts is 11/2012! ;-)
The SunPass folks (888-TOLL-FLA) were very nice and helpful getting my account established and didn’t care that I was an New Yorker sick of pulling over at the toll booths.
Plus, no more getting misunderstandings at airport security - in a carry-on, rolls of quarters and wires from car adapters and tech gear look VERY bad on an X-Ray machine! Take the rolls out for inspection, or get up close and personal with TSA staff!
If you spend enough time in Florida, this summer SunPass will be offering $5 (unfortunately) permanent windshield sticker tags, with a $5 rebate when your account is setup. “Free” in effect, but I believe it will still require a SunPass account be set up before use. It won’t beep or light-up like the hard-cased SunPass transponders. Once affixed, if you remove the sticker tag, it rips off the antenna and deactivates the tag.
Add A Comment
Need help leaving a comment?
Just fill out your name, email address (for our eyes only) and web site address (if you have one, this is optional) above. Next, type your comment in the comment box. Feel free to use the Enter key to leave spaces between paragraphs.
The last step before submitting your comment is to enter the CAPTCHA word. This is the funny little series of letters and numbers you see below the comment field that helps prevent comment spam and ensures your comment can be seen on the web site immediately after you submit it.
The last step is to click the "Submit Your Comment" button. Thank you for commenting.