New Toll Payment Options Introduced
New Toll Payment Options Introduced
The Mackinac Bridge Authority approved several new features that will enhance its toll collection operations and improve customer service beginning April 1, 2002.
The MBA board voted to implement a new commuter payment program that will replace the old commuter scrip program.
Motorists can purchase commuter coins in packs of 24 for $30 or a commuter card for the same price. The new gold-colored coins (tokens) and the commuter cards can be used in the two automatic coin-machine lanes, or in the regular toll booths.
“The idea to use tokens actually came from our customers,” said MBA Chairman Murray D. Wikol. “This is a great opportunity to produce a commemorative coin as well as provide another quick payment option for our regular customers.”
The new commemorative coin has a picture of the Mackinac Bridge on one side and “Michigan’s #1 Civil Engineering Project of the 20th Century” on the other. It commemorates the selection of the Mackinac Bridge by the Michigan Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Commuter scrip sales will cease on April 1, 2002. Those in circulation will be accepted in the toll booths until December, 31, 2002. Commuter cards are available at the same discounted fare of $1.25 per trip for passenger vehicles. Customers can deposit funds into their commuter card accounts in increments of $30.
Commercial scrip sales also are being discontinued on April 1. They are being replaced with commercial debit cards.
“We’ve completed the testing phase of our new debit card programs and we’re ready to roll them out to all of our customers,” said MBA Executive Secretary Henry A. Lotoszinski. “Our trucking customers have been very pleased with the many features of the debit card program.”
The MBA also announced changes in Canadian currency and coin transactions. Effective April 1, 2002, transactions must be all U.S. or all Canadian when transacting at the toll booths. Mixing of currencies will no longer be allowed. The current exchange rate is 50 percent.
