When navigating toll roads, drivers often face the question: What is the difference between Tolls by Mail and E-ZPass? Both methods are used to pay tolls, but they operate differently. Tolls by Mail involves receiving a bill after crossing the toll, while E-ZPass offers a more seamless and immediate way to pay tolls through an electronic system.
For those in New York, the service TollsByMailNY is one example of how Tolls by Mail operates. Understanding these two options is crucial for frequent travelers or anyone crossing toll bridges and highways.
What Is Tolls by Mail?
So, for people who havel never used the Tolls by Mail system, it is basically where there is no passing requirement: drivers can drive around toll booths. The toll fee will go through later depending on the vehicle registered regardless of the toll area through physical transponder. This is a good solution for users who do not want to get an electronic transponder or who are in countries with no E-ZPass region.
How Tolls by Mail Works
- No Need for an E-ZPass Transponder: Drivers don’t need an E-ZPass tag or device.
- License Plate Photo: Here, a camera system links to the auto’s number plate info hub.
- Bill Sent to Owner: The charge fees for can be sent to the address that has been registered in the vehicle database along with processing charges.
- Payment Options: Payments can be done over the mail as well as online, usually via a credit card or check.
Advantages of Tolls by Mail
- No Registration Needed: You don’t need to enroll for a transponder.
- Ideal for Infrequent Users: It is most suited for those who make infrequent toll road trips.
- No Need for Account Management: You are not required to maintain an account balance.
Disadvantages of Tolls by Mail
- Higher Fees: Road tolls by post often have extra administration costs as compared to E-ZPass, in numerous scenarios.
- Late Billing: Drivers are charged once they have traveled meaning that the toll amount isn’t collected straight away.
- Incuring A Late Payment Penalty: In the case the toll bill has been paid but not on time then late penalties can be incurred.
Tolls by Mail offers a straightforward solution for occasional toll users, but it comes with higher fees and potential late penalties. Unlike E-ZPass, it doesn’t require an electronic transponder or account management. What is the difference between Tolls by Mail and E-ZPass? Convenience, cost, and payment speed make all the difference.
What Is E-ZPass?
E-ZPass is a transponder system that allows drivers to pay tolls without stopping at toll booths using an electronic toll collection system. A small gadget known as a transponder which is attached to the windshield also helps in linking their details with an account for automatic deduction of fees while passing through tolls.
How E-ZPass Works
- Transponder: It is simply a small electronic device that is fixed or placed in a vehicle.
- Pre-Paid Account: An amount is deposited by the user and then as he or she comes across toll plazas, the amount is deducted as standard operating procedure.
- Total Amount Deduction In Real Time: Now a tollbooth can collect all the fees due the instant someone crosses it which is much more convienient.
Advantages of E-ZPass
- Breezing Through Toll Booths: The unique feature about the E-Z Pass is it allows users to simply pass without stopping or slowing down.
- Discounted Rates: As opposed to Tolls by Mail, many of these toll roads offer discounted tolls for E-Z Pass users.
- U.S. Eastern States Wide Acceptance: Most states that E-ZPass operates in cover a large part of the East Coast of the U.S. which is beneficial for users.
- Never Lose Balance Again: Automatic funding is a feature that can be configured making recharges on your account seamless and effortless.
Disadvantages of E-ZPass
- The Trouble Of Opening An Account And Buying A Transponder: You must create an E-ZPass account and buy the transponder during the signup process.
- Account Management: One crucial responsibility is ensuring that there are sufficient funds in the account in order to cover the toll charges.
- Inability to Use Without Transponder: If one does not possess a transponder that is active, using the system is not possible.
E-ZPass simplifies toll payments with real-time deductions and widespread acceptance but requires account management and a transponder. What is the difference between Tolls by Mail and E-ZPass? E-ZPass offers speed and discounts, while Tolls by Mail is ideal for occasional users.
Key Differences Between Tolls by Mail and E-ZPass
In this comparison table, we will explore the major differences between E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail.
| Feature | Tolls by Mail | E-ZPass |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Method | Payment is settled after receiving a phone call from the client. | Automatic payments are deducted from the user account at the start of the drive. |
| Device Requirement | Users do not own a specific device. | Devices associated to every vehicle are required. |
| Usage | Users are recommended to use the transition once in a blue moon. | Best suited for those who use the transition regularly. |
| Fees | Fees charged daily tend to increase. | Toll rates in more jurisdictions are subsidized. |
| Travel Speed | Some vehicles accelerate and some come to a standstill. | Standstill and acceleration is not required which leads to code systems to be incorporated. |
| Billing System | Bills either get sent in a single day or month. | Payments are done once in ten days and every time the account goes to a certain level. |
| Coverage | States with no E-Z pass won’t be covered. | Most States in the U. S will be able to transition. |
Why Choose One Over the Other?
- Consider using Tolls by Mail if: You can go on a drive that includes toll roads once every blue moon, do not want a specific account configured or are looking for a short term solution.
- Pick E-ZPass if: You often travel through toll roads and wish to make the transit faster while spending lesser as well.
Choosing between Tolls by Mail and E-ZPass depends on your travel habits and preferences. What is the difference between Tolls by Mail and E-ZPass? Tolls by Mail suits occasional users, while E-ZPass offers speed, savings, and convenience for frequent travelers.
Additional Considerations: State-Specific Services
The concept of Tolls by Mail and the E-ZPass is status in other states may differ in aspects or rules they may have for toll payments. For example, New York has a service called tollsbymailny. If you do not have an E-ZPass and want to cross a bridge or a highway that has a toll fee, then this service enables you to pay the toll fee through the mail. This is a useful service for people living in New York City who may not frequently pass through toll areas but do pass through a bridge or a highway with a toll.
Tolls by Mail in New York
- Regional Tolling: Tollsbymailny is associated only with the state of NY toll zones.
- Special Features: The system could employ capture of a vehicle’s number plate photograph to facilitate billing that is correct.
E-ZPass in New York
- Widely Accepted: New York is an area abound with E-ZPass due to the many tollways located there and one of them most can drive through if in the state.
- Discounted Toll Rates: It has been brought to light that E-ZPass owners tend to fare better as New York uses many highways and their tolls tend to decrease.
State-specific services like tollsbymailny offer tailored toll payment options for New York drivers. What is the difference between Tolls by Mail and E-ZPass? While Tolls by Mail caters to infrequent users, E-ZPass provides convenience and savings for regular toll road travelers.
Conclusion
To conclude, what is the difference between Tolls by Mail and E-ZPass is quite clear: Tolls by Mail is a more manual system that requires a bit of waiting and additional fees, while E-ZPass is designed for convenience, faster travel, and typically lower toll rates. If you travel frequently, opting for an E-ZPass is likely your best bet. However, if you only use toll roads occasionally, Tolls by Mail may suit your needs better.
