May 23rd, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will permanently eliminate the $7.50 E-ZPass Maryland transponder fee for all new customers, putting $46 million back into Marylanders’ wallets over the next five years. In 2015, the governor announced major toll rollbacks across the state, resulting in $270 million in savings for our citizens. 

“Today, we continue moving forward with a commitment to provide relief for Maryland taxpayers by putting an additional $46 million back into the pockets of hardworking middle class families, retirees, and small businesses – and back into our growing economy,” said Governor Hogan. “Three years ago I stood here at this very spot and began a statewide toll cut that started with $270 million – the first time tolls had been cut in Maryland in 50 years – and with today’s transponder fee elimination, we have now cut taxes, tolls, and fees by over $1.2 billion in the last four years.”

Free transponders eliminate $6 million in fees and provide new E-ZPass Maryland customers $40 million in toll discounts over the next five years. Customers using E-ZPass Maryland save 25 percent or more on Maryland tolls. At the Bay Bridge, the savings increases to 37.5 percent, or $2.50 for an E-ZPass customer versus $4.00 using cash.

In addition, the MDTA will replace nearly 400,000 aged transponders that are currently in circulation at no cost to customers. Anyone who bought a transponder in 2018 will be issued a credit of $7.50 as long as the account is registered and in good standing. Customers who bought a transponder this calendar year will see the $7.50 credit on their accounts in the next several weeks.