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Press Release -- June 24, 2004
Delaware E-ZPass to Implement Fee for Transponders Effective July 1, 2004
Dover --
Delaware Department of Transportation has announced that current and potential Delaware E-ZPass customers have only a few days remaining to obtain their transponders at no charge. Effective July 1, 2004, there will be a $25 fee required for each transponder added to a new or existing Delaware E-ZPass account. Transponders are the small devices placed either on the windshield or front bumper of vehicles issued to E-ZPass customers that permit the reading of toll transactions.
Outlined in a letter dated May 12, 2004 to all Delaware E-ZPass account holders from Transportation Secretary Nathan Hayward III, there will be no fee for any transponder issued prior to July 1, 2004 and customers can continue to obtain them at no charge until that date. Transportation Secretary Nathan Hayward III explains, "this is merely the cost for the equipment that is provided to the patron. Several other tolling facilities have imposed similar fees without offering the benefits to the customer that Delaware does. Customers' toll rates within Delaware are automatically discounted and they also have the option of enrolling in frequent travelers' discount programs. In addition, Delaware is now the first state to offer electronic toll collections where customer service agents are available around the clock seven days a week to address customers' needs."
This non-refundable, one-time fee, will be for each transponder added to a new or existing account issued after July 1, 2004. Transponder deposits will no longer be required, so those Delaware E-ZPass customers who have paid a transponder deposit will have that deposit credited to their prepaid toll balance. The Delaware E-ZPass transponders have an estimated serviceable life of five to eight years and carry a warranty against any defects, and should they fail, they would be replaced at no cost within three years of the date of issue.
"I am committed to guaranteeing the best possible customer service possible. As part of that promise now, for the first time, at any time of the day or night Delaware E-ZPass customers will be able to discuss their issues with a knowledgeable, friendly, customer-service orientated representative," Secretary Hayward concluded. "In addition, this decision was announced over a month ago because I want to provide sufficient time for potential Delaware E-ZPass customers to sign up before this transponders fee is implemented."
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