E-Zpass debuts. What does that mean for drivers?

Minnesota on Monday made the switch from MnPass to E-ZPass, allowing motorists to use a single device to pay highway tolls here and in 18 other states.

Other than signs announcing the change, most drivers using the metro area's high occupancy toll lanes won't notice a difference. But naturally, big changes bring questions, and the Star Tribune posed a few to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Q: How do I get an E-ZPass transponder?

A: Motorists who don't have a MnPass tag can set up an account and order an E-ZPass tag online, by phone at 1-866-397-4334 or in person at customer service centers in Golden Valley or Roseville. Business was brisk on Monday. As of noon, the Golden Valley office at 2055 N. Lilac Drive had issued 35 new transponders and answered 140 calls and e-mail chats, and had 155 people in queue. "We have not been this busy since the lanes on I-35E opened [in 2015]," said Katie Harrison, E-ZPass project manager. Monday's sales pushed E-ZPass to more than 50,000 accounts.

Q: I have a MnPass transponder. Do I need to trade it in for an E-ZPass one?

Drivers with a MnPass tag can continue to use it locally and "do not need to do a thing," said spokeswoman Sue Gergen. Motorists who want to use their MnPass devices in another state will need to swap their tag for a new one that will work in other states. There is no charge and that can by done by mail or in person.

Q: I have an I-Pass from Illinois. Can I use that in Minnesota?

Q: Will my Minnesota E-ZPass transponder be compatible in other states?

A: Yes.

Q: How long will it take for me to get a new E-ZPass?

A: Right now, transponders will arrive in two to five business days, Harrison said. While some states are experiencing a shortage, Minnesota began stockpiling tags in March in anticipation of the switch to E-ZPass. Another shipment of a few thousand is due next week, Gergen said. If MnDOT begins running low, the plan is to issue tags to new customers and ask those swapping out to wait if they can, she said.

Q: What hours are E-ZPass lanes in effect and how much do they cost?

Q: Why do we need transponders? Can't cameras just record those who use the lanes?

A: Many other electronic toll systems, such as those in Illinois, use both transponders and license plate video readers for vehicles that do not have transponders. Minnesota does not, but "we will likely add license plate video tolling at some point in the future," Gergen said. That technology is expensive and "there will need to be a strong business case for cost-effective implementation," she said.

Adding cameras also likely will require legislative approval, Gergen said.

In the meantime, MnDOT is discussing conducting a study to evaluate the latest technologies for license plate video tolling and automated occupancy verification, she added.

Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768