EZ Pass.
Despite my fears, my EZ Pass has worked well.
October 15, 2008.
I finally got an E-Z Pass
after all these years.
For many years I was creeped out by the possibility of getting one of these devices. I did not want the government to have a record of everywhere I go, automatically created, and compiled in a database. Sure, if the government really wanted to spy on me they could follow me around in an unmarked car or use arterial surveillance, but none of that is the same as an actual database record.
Regardless, convenience outweighed my fears. I often like to take the Thruway out where I am camping, and it's a pain to wait in the massive lines to pick up a Thruway ticket just to hand it back a few exits later, especially when your doing a "free" section of the turnpike from the Adirondack Northway to the Warren Anderson Expressway. It's also a pain to dig through your pocket for change — exact change if possible. Not to mention saving 5% on each toll and having a convenient record of tolls when traveling work.
I used my E-Z Pass for the first time last weekend. It was so easy: except maybe slowing down to 5 MPH for the booth and then having to go without getting a ticket or paying. I hit my brakes, and almost brought the truck to a stop, before the light turned green and the sign "E-Z Pass GO". That seemed so strange. Especially for the 20 MPH high speed E-Z Pass booth on Warren M Anderson, it was tempting to drive too fast.
I haven't gotten my first E-Z Pass bill or actually used E-Z Pass for any actually tolled roads. But it should be interesting to see how it will work out. I have heard plenty of horror stories about E-Z Pass and are a bit wary of the technology, but if I have problems, the worst that can happen is that I will return the transmitter and pay the fines. I doubt I will have problems with my infrequent use, but only time will tell.
