[Slick327EFI]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

I've had transponders for +10 years, without a problem ... no batteries or maintenance. Truthfully, I've never given it any thought, so now I'm curious.

As far as I know (I just bought 2 Pros), if you have the SunPass Pro, it's valid just about everywhere and you can put it in, any car you're driving ... at least that's what I thought and why I bought 2 of them.

While both E-ZPass and SunPass Pro are electronic toll collection systems, the key difference is that E-ZPass primarily functions in the Northeast region of the United States, while SunPass Pro, a product of Florida's SunPass system, can be used in Florida and most states where E-ZPass is accepted, making SunPass Pro a more versatile option for wider travel across the country; if you primarily drive in the Northeast, E-ZPass is likely sufficient, but if you frequently travel outside that area, SunPass Pro would be the better choice.
Redundancy:
If you already have an E-ZPass, you do not need to purchase a SunPass Pro as it will work in the same areas.

[Maker]

Wouldn't it be nice if the gates opened because of having a toll transponder?

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Maker

Wouldn't it be nice if the gates opened because of having a toll transponder?

Interesting idea. If the gates worked with the toll transponder then the District could collect tolls to pay for the new equipment to read the transponders.

As it is, the District is investigating long-range readers and transponders. If an effective system is found then there will be a proposal to install the long-range readers at all the gates and the new transponders will become available for purchase. And *THEN* there will be multiple threads complaining about why so much money was spent on the new readers and why we have to pay for the new transponders.

[ElDiabloJoe]

The more I read through this thread and the actual toll agencies websites, the more confusing it gets. Essentially, it looks like ANY toll transponder (EZ, Sun, SunPro, Uni, Etc.) offers discounted tolls in Florida as opposed to stopping and paying by cash at the tollbooth.

Other than that, I can't really tell what exactly are the pros and cons of one over the other. Specifically I'm trying to apples-to-apples compare SunPassPro with UniPass. Of course, I can't web-chat SunPassPro unless I first have an account with them. UniPass (formerly E-Pass?) has vague comparisons, but nothing specifically between the two.

Am I wrong in that the only real difference appears to be the issuing agency, with no pros or cons in comparison to either?

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

The more I read through this thread and the actual toll agencies websites, the more confusing it gets. Essentially, it looks like ANY toll transponder (EZ, Sun, SunPro, Uni, Etc.) offers discounted tolls in Florida as opposed to stopping and paying by cash at the tollbooth.

Other than that, I can't really tell what exactly are the pros and cons of one over the other. Specifically I'm trying to apples-to-apples compare SunPassPro with UniPass. Of course, I can't web-chat SunPassPro unless I first have an account with them. UniPass (formerly E-Pass?) has vague comparisons, but nothing specifically between the two.

Am I wrong in that the only real difference appears to be the issuing agency, with no pros or cons in comparison to either?

SunPass and E-Pass work in Florida and possibly Georgia but not much farther than that.

E-Z Pass works in the northeast. Most of the southeast states, including Florida, now accept E-Z Pass also.

SunPass + E-Z Pass = SunPass Pro
E-Pass + E-Z Pass = UNI

Since it appears that every toll road that previously accepted SunPass or E-Pass now accepts E-Z Pass, I can't see a functional difference between the SunPass Pro, UNI, or E-Z Pass.

States that used to only accept SunPass/E-Pass *might* have discounts for using SunPass Pro or UNI over using E-Z Pass.

Some States that sell E-Z Pass charge a maintenance fee if you don't have an address withing that State. A MD E-Z Pass will costs $1.50 per month if you have a Florida address. I haven't seen anywhere to buy a Florida E-Z Pass.

It appears the only significant difference between the three is cost. One might have a lower cost to purchase than the others and E-Z Pass comes with a maintenance fee if purchased from certain States.

I returned my MD E-Z Pass when I established Florida residency and now use a Sunpass Pro.

[jimmy o]

Originally Posted by MrLonzo

Still learning the ins and outs of Florida's convoluted toll system. I've decided on the Sun Pass Pro transponder which I've seen on Amazon for about $30. Until I buy a car, I'll be using it for my car rentals, and mostly in Florida. Here are my questions:

1. Is the $30 price a one-time fee? Any monthly, annual, or renewal fees?

2. Any additional fees to add other cars?

3. Does the transponder require maintenance (batteries, charging, etc.)?

4. How long does the transponder last normally? Is there a warranty?

I trust the answers from TV residents more than my Google searches, so thanks in advance!

I just bought one Tuesday 11/11 at Publix for $16. Called the number on package and set up over phone. Can be used anywhere in Florida and SC, and GA, and anywhere EZ Pass is accepted. I also turned on parking so it can be used to park at airports. There is no monthly fee, account is set up for auto-replenish. No batteries, lifetime usage.

[jjombrello]

Go onlline to SunPass and it will answer all of your questions.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by jjombrello

Go onlline to SunPass and it will answer all of your questions.

No, no it doesn't answer all my questions. Hence my post here. My post clearly states I crawled all over the websites, and it did not answer my questions.

[MrLonzo]

Yes, my original questions have been answered, but they were made on my naïve assumption that I can just 1) buy a transponder online, then 2) open a SunPass account online, then 3) enter the car’s license plate number once I get it, in that order. But now I’m even more confused. Post #17 says I need an account in order to get a transponder. Post #21 says you buy your ‘pass’ and then set up your account.

The screen shot below shows the SunPass Pro transponder on Amazon for $30, purchase of which does not require a SunPass account. The SunPass.com site sells the transponder at half that price, but requires setting up the account before buying it. Is this correct?

My problem is that I do not yet have a car in Florida, I will be renting a car on my return in a couple of weeks. Since opening the SunPass account requires the license plate number, how can I open the account if I won’t know the license plate number of the rental car until I get there? So the logical order of events seems to be: 1) Rent the car, 2) Open the account, then 3) Buy a transponder. I had hoped to take care of all of this before I even get back to Florida, but doesn’t seem like that’s possible?

SunPass.com does not answer these questions!!!!

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by MrLonzo

Yes, my original questions have been answered, but they were made on my naïve assumption that I can just 1) buy a transponder online, then 2) open a SunPass account online, then 3) enter the car’s license plate number once I get it, in that order. But now I’m even more confused. Post #17 says I need an account in order to get a transponder. Post #21 says you buy your ‘pass’ and then set up your account.

The screen shot below shows the SunPass Pro transponder on Amazon for $30, purchase of which does not require a SunPass account. The SunPass.com site sells the transponder at half that price, but requires setting up the account before buying it. Is this correct?

My problem is that I do not yet have a car in Florida, I will be renting a car on my return in a couple of weeks. Since opening the SunPass account requires the license plate number, how can I open the account if I won’t know the license plate number of the rental car until I get there? So the logical order of events seems to be: 1) Rent the car, 2) Open the account, then 3) Buy a transponder. I had hoped to take care of all of this before I even get back to Florida, but doesn’t seem like that’s possible?

SunPass.com does not answer these questions!!!!

SunPass.com does not sell the device for half the price, Amazon retailers are selling it for twice the price. Save money and order it from sunpass.com.

Do you own a car now? Use that plate for the account. It doesn't matter if that plate never goes through a Florida toll booth, just use that plate that you own to create the account. Create the account with your current plate, order the device sent to your house, add the rental car when you get here and have the information.

Chances are Sunpass.com wants you to create an account in order to collect credit card information and a shipping address. If you buy the device on Amazon they already have that information. If you buy it in person at Walgreen's (or elsewhere) they will ask for your credit card and don't need your address. Sunpass.com seems to be trying to simplify the process by collecting the information as part of creating the account.

[FredJacobs]

Be careful with rentals. Some of the cars are already equipped with transponders. If you pay a toll with one of these transponders the rental company adds a surcharge. To avoid the surcharge, you have to go through the cash line. The car's transponder will not work there - your own may work in the cash line. Ask the toll collector.

[Arlington2]

Originally Posted by FredJacobs

Be careful with rentals. Some of the cars are already equipped with transponders. If you pay a toll with one of these transponders the rental company adds a surcharge. To avoid the surcharge, you have to go through the cash line. The car's transponder will not work there - your own may work in the cash line. Ask the toll collector.

There are no cash lines on the turnpike anymore. It is all license plate and transponder. (and yes I wonder how they enforce payment from an out of stater ignoring the bill)

[TVTVTV]

Originally Posted by MrLonzo

Still learning the ins and outs of Florida's convoluted toll system. I've decided on the Sun Pass Pro transponder which I've seen on Amazon for about $30. Until I buy a car, I'll be using it for my car rentals, and mostly in Florida. Here are my questions:

1. Is the $30 price a one-time fee? Any monthly, annual, or renewal fees?

2. Any additional fees to add other cars?

3. Does the transponder require maintenance (batteries, charging, etc.)?

4. How long does the transponder last normally? Is there a warranty?

I trust the answers from TV residents more than my Google searches, so thanks in advance!

Since you haven't purchased yet, you should consider the UniPass. After some research, that was the most flexible, especially with rentals. Simple to use- do a comparison.

[TVTVTV]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

SunPass and E-Pass work in Florida and possibly Georgia but not much farther than that.

E-Z Pass works in the northeast. Most of the southeast states, including Florida, now accept E-Z Pass also.

SunPass + E-Z Pass = SunPass Pro
E-Pass + E-Z Pass = UNI

Since it appears that every toll road that previously accepted SunPass or E-Pass now accepts E-Z Pass, I can't see a functional difference between the SunPass Pro, UNI, or E-Z Pass.

States that used to only accept SunPass/E-Pass *might* have discounts for using SunPass Pro or UNI over using E-Z Pass.

Some States that sell E-Z Pass charge a maintenance fee if you don't have an address withing that State. A MD E-Z Pass will costs $1.50 per month if you have a Florida address. I haven't seen anywhere to buy a Florida E-Z Pass.

It appears the only significant difference between the three is cost. One might have a lower cost to purchase than the others and E-Z Pass comes with a maintenance fee if purchased from certain States.

I returned my MD E-Z Pass when I established Florida residency and now use a Sunpass Pro.

From SoNomad:
UniPass - Its main advantage is its portability: you can easily transfer UniPass from one vehicle to another. Moreover, this transponder is compatible with motorcycles and rental cars, allowing you to travel hassle-free.

It is easy to add/change/swap car info.I think there is not much difference between them after all.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by TVTVTV

From SoNomad:
UniPass - Its main advantage is its portability: you can easily transfer UniPass from one vehicle to another. Moreover, this transponder is compatible with motorcycles and rental cars, allowing you to travel hassle-free.

It is easy to add/change/swap car info.I think there is not much difference between them after all.

SunPass Pro is portable as well. It is easy to add/remove vehicles/plates with the SunPass Pro as well.

I've not tried using it with a rental but since adding the plate is trivial the only issue would be with the rental company disabling their transponder. I don't know why that process would be any different between UniPass and SunPass Pro.

I'm not a proponent of either solution, they seem to be equivalent.