E-ZPass is an automated or electronic toll-collection system used widely in the USA’s Midwestern and Nothern areas.
Thirty-nine agencies work within the network, and 17 states use the system in multiple toll roads, tunnels, and bridges.
The system was created in 1987, and since then, states like North Carolina or Illinois have implemented an individual version of the same design, called NC Quick Pass and I-Pass, respectively.
If you are traveling to Canada soon and wonder whether your E-ZPass transponder will work in the toll lanes, bridges, and tunnels, the direct answer is that it doesn’t.
However, there are particular exceptions to this.
Where does E-ZPass work in Canada?
Since 2005, drivers can go through the Peace Bridge (located between Fort Eerie in Ontario and Buffalo, NY) with their E-ZPass transponder and automatically pay for the toll with no problems.
It was the first time the system was available in an area outside of the United States. The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority is the institution responsible for operating and maintaining this area.
It wasn’t until nine years later where this option was expanded and became available for other three bridges: Lewiston-Queenston, Rainbow, and Whirlpool Rapids.
The toll for the first bridge is paid in Canada, while the other two are paid in the US before going out of the state. The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission is in charge of operating in these three areas.
Five years later, in June of 2019, the E-ZPass system was expanded again, and the Thousand Islands Bridge was added to the network.
Please consider that it is possible to go through these toll lanes with cash from both the USA and Canada, but since E-ZPass is based in the United States, the charges are applied in US dollars.
What should I do if I have to travel to Canada?
Since Canada is a different country, the best thing to do is get in touch with its toll-collection systems if you want to drive through toll booths without stopping.
On the other hand, remember that there are areas in Canada where you can pay in cash, so not everything is lost.
Still, this is only to take into consideration if you were to travel long distances around Canada. You can visit the Niagara Falls Bridges website for more information on the matter.
Is there anything, in particular, I must do if I want to use my E-ZPass in Canada?
No. You don’t have to do anything. As long as your account has enough balance, you can use your E-ZPass as if you were traveling in a US area.
If you have any issue with your E-ZPass transponder or doubts about the system, you can contact E-ZPass Customer Care Center via their website.
You can also call them through the following phone numbers, 1-800-333-8655 and 1-800-333-8655.
They are available from 7 AM to 7 PM from Mondays to Fridays, while on Saturdays they are available from 8 AM to 2 PM.