Jim Ely's Steering Column -
A sneak peek into All-Electronic Open Road Tolling

Florida's Turnpike Enterprise is looking forward to providing you with the tolling technology of the future. All-electronic open road tolling is scheduled to be in place on the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike in early 2011, from Milepost 0 to Milepost 47 in Miami-Dade County. The new system will replace the collection of cash at all toll plazas on this stretch of the Turnpike with new electronic payment options.

All-electronic open road tolling promotes a continuous and constant state of traffic flow. Unlike traditional SunPass and cash lanes at a toll plaza, motorists will never have to slow down or stop to pay a toll. Motorists without a SunPass will still be able to travel on the Homestead Extension once a new program called Toll-by-Plate is launched in the coming months. With Toll-by-Plate, the tolling equipment will capture an image of the vehicle's license plate. The registered owner of the vehicle will then be billed for the toll, plus a service charge. As a valued SunPass customer, you will pay the lowest toll rates and no additional fees. (Click here for full story)

The convenience of SunPass expanded at Florida airports

SunPass customers can enjoy the convenience of using their SunPass transponder not just on Florida's highways, but also at some of Florida's leading airports. SunPass Plus airport parking is now available at any of the Tampa International Airport garages, Orlando International Airport garages, as well as selected off-site Orlando parking facilities. To take advantage of this feature, simply sign up for Easy Pay by linking your credit card to your SunPass account for automatic replenishment From there you can use your SunPass to travel through the designated airport parking gates as a SunPass Plus customer.

Additional SunPass Plus airport parking will be available in the future in Palm Beach, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Stay tuned for updates to come. (Click here for full story)

Have you given the gift of SunPass lately?

If not, there are a number of places you can purchase a SunPass transponder for yourself, friend or family member.

• Purchase online at www.SunPass.com or over the phone at 1-888-TOLL-FLA, and have SunPass conveniently delivered to your door
• Palm Beach County tax collector and Martin County tax collector offices
• Publix Super Markets
• CVS/pharmacy
• Navarro Discount Pharmacies
• Sedano's Supermarkets
• Florida's Turnpike Service Plazas

SunPass website now upgraded to real-time

SunPass has recently upgraded its website, www.SunPass.com, to offer real-time transactions. Now when you replenish your account, register new transponders, change vehicle information, edit replenishment options or update payment methods, the account changes will be effective instantly. This allows you to begin using your transponder to travel the roadways within four hours of submitting your updated account information. (Click here for full story)

Did you know...

Through conducting on-going telephone surveys, the SunPass call center has received an average of a 96% customer satisfaction rating since January 2009. You can reach the SunPass call center Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm, to speak with a friendly customer service representative. Just call 1-888-TOLL-FLA to speak to a SunPass representative, or if you prefer, you can go online and view frequently asked SunPass Questions and Answers at www.SunPass.com/faq.cfm.

What's new at the Turnpike service plazas

Have you stepped into one of the Turnpike service plazas lately? As of June 3, 2009, AREAS USA was awarded a 30-year contract to operate the Turnpike service plazas. This new partnership marks the beginning of an exciting transition to provide a new range of restaurants and amenities for the traveling public. A new line-up of food and beverage options has been introduced, and includes a set of fresh, healthy meals as alternatives to traditional fast food menus. Each service plaza also now has a Dunkin' Donuts location serving specialty coffees.

The following restaurant options are currently available along the Turnpike:

Okahumpka - Milepost 299: Nature's Table Cafe', KFC
Turkey Lake - Milepost 263: Nature's Table Cafe', Villa Pizza
Canoe Creek - Milepost 229: Checkers, Chicken Kitchen, Nature's Table Cafe', BannaStrow's
Fort Drum - Milepost 184: Earl of Sandwich, Cheeburger Cheeburger, Villa Pizza, KFC, Edy's Ice Cream
Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce - Milepost 144: Checkers, Earl of Sandwich, Villa Pizza, Edy's Ice Cream
West Palm - Milepost 94: Chicken Kitchen, Cheeburger Cheeburger, Nature's Table Cafe', BannaStrow's
Pompano - Milepost 65: Earl of Sandwich, Villa Pizza
(Click here for full story)