For a limited time beginning on June 25, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) will discount the cost of its E-ZPass transponders from its usual price of $20.95 to $10. In addition, RITBA will give a $10 credit to the new E-ZPass account to be applied to future toll expenses.

During the promotional period, RITBA will add additional locations where people can apply for the transponders. They include Bristol, Middletown, Tiverton and Roger Williams University at the former Ramada Inn. Applications are also available at RITBA headquarters. 

Full details about the promotion, dates, hours and locations can be found at www.ritba.org.

The new E-ZPass accounts will begin with a $35 balance (i.e., the $10 transponder credit and a $25 minimum deposit in the account). With a credit card number on file, the account will be automatically replenished when the balance is low, ensuring that the lowest R.I. toll is always charged.  

Drivers do not have to be R.I. residents in order to purchase the R.I. transponder to qualify for the R.I. E-ZPass discount. The $10 credit will be applied once to the account regardless of the number of transponders linked to that account.   

E-ZPass is an electronic toll-collection system used on tolled roads, bridges and tunnels in the Northeastern U.S., south to Virginia and West Virginia, and west to Illinois. Currently, there are 25 agencies in 15 states that comprise the E-ZPass Interagency Group. All member agencies use the same technology, allowing travelers to use the same E-ZPass transponder throughout the network.  

RITBA has selected the least costly E-ZPass tolling system available, which is commonly referred to as an All-Electronic Tolling System. Antennas mounted on an overhead gantry read transponders as vehicles pass under the gantry at highway speed. For vehicles without an E-ZPass transponder, cameras mounted on the gantry take photos of vehicle license plates and receive invoices.

To date, more than 155,000 R.I. transponders have been sold in Rhode Island.

The E-ZPass Office hours at East Shore Road are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special Note: The office will be closed June 21 and 22 for computer system upgrading.  

Transponders can also be purchased at AAA Southern New England branches in Rhode Island, Somerset and South Attleboro, Mass. AAA only accepts credit card payments.