The Maine Turnpike Is Ready To ‘Cash Out’

Whatever will you do with all that spare change?

We are living in ever-changing times. Some people have streaming services, some don’t. Some people never use cash. I always try to have at least a few bucks in my pocket, in case I lose a debit or credit card. I know people that haven’t used cash in years. It really is becoming an antiquated form of transaction. Now, when you are on the open road, that wad of bills may not be of much use.

The Maine Turnpike

The Maine Turnpike is a 107 mile stretch of highway that runs from Augusta to the New Hampshire border (That’s that place with the cool bridge that goes into Portsmouth). And, over the years, more and more people have been paying with various forms of electronic collection. The introduction of the E-Z Pass made things much quicker, and well, “E-Zier”, or something like that.

The future of paying on the turnpike

As we move ever forward into a digital world and leave the analog one behind, the Maine Turnpike is planning to put an end to the cash toll collection system. Only about 15% of the yearly revenue comes from your crumpled-up dollar bills, which is a big drop off from 20 years ago, when it accounted for nearly 80 percent of all revenue, So they are looking to the future and the end of such transactions.

The future is automated

One drawback of this proposal is the elimination of toll booth takers. The eventual plan is to install new forms of collection, including E-ZPass stickers that go right on your car windshield. And, as you would expect, your smartphone will be a viable option to pay. Once paid, you go on your way.

Future benefits of the Turnpike changes

One benefit is that it will be cheaper than purchasing the traditional E-ZPass. Another upside is that it will be a quicker and more efficient way of traveling since traffic will flow much more comfortably.

The one constant in life is change and the Maine Turnpike is ready for “Life In The Fast Lane”, cash-free.

Get ready, it is coming to a toll booth near you.

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