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SunPass(TM) Completed In Tampa Bay Area With Plaza On Crosstown Expressway

3 October 2000

SunPass(TM) Completed In Tampa Bay Area With Plaza On Crosstown Expressway

    BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 3 The Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT) announces the completion of the SunPass system in the
Tampa Bay area with the addition of the Lee Roy Selman Crosstown Expressway
Western Mainline Toll Plaza on Sept. 28, 2000, and the Eastern Mainline Toll
Plaza on Sept. 30.  The addition of these roads to the already operational
toll plazas on Polk County Parkway, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Pinellas Bayway,
and Veterans Expressway completes the expansion phase that began in the
beginning of August.  The event is celebrated by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on
Oct. 3, where a parade of 2001 model cars will lead the way into the future of
transportation.  SunPass is the time and moneysaving system that allows
motorists to pass through designated SunPass lanes without having to stop or
carry change.  Tolls are automatically deducted from a prepaid account as
motorists pass through the specially equipped lanes and frequent users qualify
for a rebate.
    "To date, SunPass has exceeded expectations with more than 250,000
transponders sold," says Deborah Stemle, FDOT director of toll operations.
"Customers in the area are extremely pleased with the effectiveness of the
system."
    "One of the most efficient ways to relieve traffic congestion is
electronic toll collection.  Florida is on the cutting edge with SunPass,"
says Pat McCue, Executive Director for the Tampa-Hillsborough County
Expressway Authority.  "The 48 toll plazas open in south and northwest Florida
have reduced congestion, and we are seeing similar benefits in our area."
    The SunPass system, developed by Dallas-based Amtech Systems Inc.,
utilizes small, pocket-sized "transponders" that attach to the inside of car
windshields.  Communication between transponders and plazas takes place
electronically as vehicles proceed through SunPass lanes.
    Account balances are updated as tolls are deducted from the customers'
prepaid toll account and are displayed on the transponders instantaneously.
Adding to the ease of use of the system, a low balance indicator shows users
exactly when replenishment is needed to maintain an active account.
    SunPass motorists are provided with the option of automatic replenishment
-- with a credit card when the transponder reaches the $10 minimum balance
requirement -- in addition to being able to replenish accounts by mail or in
person.
    SunPass Electronic Toll Collection System is scheduled to rollout
statewide in five stages.  This $38.6 million project is designed to save
motorists time and money while creating more efficient, less congested
roadways.
    The SunPass System combines 90 dedicated and 365 mixed-use lanes.  A
single "SunPass Only" lane will be able to process up to 1,800 vehicles per
hour -- 300 percent the capacity of a regular toll lane -- allowing motorists
to pass through toll plazas at speeds up to 25 MPH without being required to
stop to pay a toll.
    Frequent users of SunPass Electronic Toll Collection will receive a 10
percent rebate after 40 or more transactions are made each month on Veterans
Expressway, Polk Parkway, and Florida's Turnpike.  Less than two trips per day
on average are required to receive the discount.  SunPass users with two-axle
vehicles on the Skyway Bridge will earn an immediate 25 percent in lane
discount off the regular toll.  SunPass will eventually replace the existing
token program at the Skyway.
    Transponders cost $25 plus tax and require a minimum opening balance of
$25 -- with a 45-day money back guarantee including refund on remaining
balance.
    To purchase a SunPass transponder using a major credit card, simply call
toll free at 1-888-TOLL-FLA.  Motorists can also apply through the mail by
obtaining a SunPass application at Tampa Bay area toll plazas or purchase
transponders on-line at http://www.SunPass.com.  Additionally, SunPass is available
at select NAPA Auto Parts stores, the downtown Government Center and the
Brandon TownCenter Mall during the initial opening phases.