SunPass, the state of Florida's prepaid, electronic tolling program, marked another major milestone this week when transponder number three million was activated.
"Three million transponders is a major accomplishment," said Evelio Suarez, director of toll operations for Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, "especially when you consider how fast we got there. Our phenomenal growth rate simply confirms what our annual surveys say: customers absolutely love this program."
Since the SunPass program began in 1999, it has grown by leaps and bounds. The SunPass retail program sold its one-millionth transponder in the fall of 2003. Customer number 2 million was recognized in the summer of 2005, while the three-millionth transponder was activated on Monday, April 16, less than two years later.
SunPass customers enjoy the ease and convenience of electronic tolling as well as access to the Turnpike's ever growing network of SunPass-only toll lanes, ramps and interchanges that process traffic at a faster rate, reducing congestion and associated traffic tie ups. SunPass customers also save an average of 25% on tolls at most toll plazas.
SunPass may be used on most Florida toll roads and bridges and is interoperable with E-Pass and O-Pass in the Orlando area. In the Fort Myers area, SunPass will work in LeeWay designated lanes. SunPass customers are now using their transponders to pay for parking at Orlando International Airport. Other airports around the state are expected to follow and offer the convenience and speed of SunPass parking in the near future.
SunPass transponders are available for purchase at any Publix Supermarket or CVS/pharmacy, or by calling 888/TOLL-FLA. Once the transponder is purchased for $25 it may be activated by opening a prepaid account online at www.sunpass.com or by calling 888/TOLL-FLA.