BRIDGE TOLL PLAZA IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

New toll lanes allow bridge users to “Breeze By”

The light at the end of the tunnel for the Port’s Toll Plaza Improvement Project turns out to be the electronic bypass lanes at the south end of the bridge.

In mid-November, the Port launched its new Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system, “Breeze By.”

Port Finance Manager Linda Shames, who is managing the project for the Port, conveys there is a lot of excitement about the new bypass lanes, and even more about electronic tolling. “Prior to this project, we had two problems,” Shames relates. “One was traffic congestion at the intersection, the other was more traffic than toll collectors could handle. The bypass lanes have solved one of the problems for the Port. Although there is still some congestion at Exit 64, which is being addressed by ODOT, there is no longer back-ups from the toll plaza to the 4-way stop. ETC will further reduce stress on the toll collectors.”

The Port will continue to accept bridge tickets for patrons who prefer that method, however ticket and cash customers must use the inside manual toll collection lanes (under the toll plaza canopy). Customers may also convert bridge tickets to a transponder account at the Port office. Credit cards may be used at the Port office only.

BREEZE BY Basics

What is Electronic Tolling, and how does it work?
The Port’s new electronic tolling system utilizes reader cards mounted in (or in some cases on) vehicles identifying people enrolled in the program, an overhead antenna reads the tag, and an automatic gate opens after the toll transaction. Drivers using Breeze By will be able to pass the toll plaza at around 5-10 mph without stopping, or even opening a window.

Who can use Breeze By?
Anyone can use Breeze By in ALL four toll lanes: drivers of automobiles, trucks, or motorcycles. Motorcycles and some vehicles must use an externally mounted transponder. Breeze By users will receive 20% toll discounts. The Port adds 20% bonus dollars into each account upon a minimum of $20 payment.

How do you set up Breeze By?
Bridge patrons can set up personal or commercial accounts at the Port office, by mail, or soon (summer 2008) online on the Port’s web site. (Click on this link to access the BreezeBy application page.) Accounts can be set up and replenished using credit cards, debit cards, auto-draft accounts, check, money order, or cash. Cash deposits should be made in person, not by mail.

What does it cost to set up a Breeze By account?
Personal accounts require a minimum $20 initial deposit, though the Port office recommends deposits of at least one month’s worth of tolls. Automatic replenishment can occur when accounts reach minimum balances of $10, or can occur manually. Personal accounts can link and track all of a household's vehicles, and the first three transponders are free.

Commercial accounts can be initiated with a deposit of one month’s usage. Automatic replenishment will occur when the account reaches 10% of the monthly use amount. Commercial accounts will receive the first six transponders free.

Are other costs involved?
There are no other costs involved unless more than the allotted number of transponders is needed. Additional transponders cost $15 each for internally mounted, $27 each for externally mounted. Windshield replacement will require acquiring another transponder; once peeled off they are not usable. Only defective transponders will be replaced for no charge after the first complementary ones are used.

How do you manage your account?
Automatic replenishment is the easiest way to manage an account. You can set up automatic replenishment with a checking account, credit card or debit card. The Port can email or mail monthly statements if desired. If customers opt to manage accounts manually, they will receive email reminders when accounts reach low balances. At the Breeze By gate, a yellow light will flash before the green light to let users know when their accounts are low.

Can anyone use my transponder?
Once a transponder is in place, it should not be removed. They are not transferable among vehicles. Removing a transponder damages and deactivates it. If a transponder is stolen, it will automatically deactivate; please notify the Port if that occurs. Lost or stolen transponders will cost $15 to replace if over the allotted amount for your account.

Coming Soon:
A new Bridge Cam will not only be used for security, but will have cameras linked to the Port’s web site so commuters can check traffic on the bridge.

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