To help meet new state requirements for transponders used on tolling facilities, OCTA approved changes to the 91 Express Lanes account plans while simplifying the plans and passing along cost savings to customers.
The new transponders don’t require batteries and are available as stickers. Beginning early next year, sticker transponders will be issued at no cost to every vehicle listed on customers’ accounts. 91 Express Lanes account plans that charge a fee per transponder will switch to a per account fee structure.
Changes will be made to the Convenience, Express Club and Standard plans. At this time, there will be no changes to the Special Access Plan:
- Convenience Plan – Customers currently pay a one-time fee of $75 per transponder. This will change to a one-time fee of $100 per account, regardless of the number of transponders on the account. Current customers will be grandfathered into this new plan without incurring any costs.
- Standard Plan – Current customers must use at least $7 in tolls per transponder per month on the 91 Express Lanes or they are charged the difference between $7 and the toll usage amount. Customers will now be charged a $2 monthly account fee, regardless of the number of transponders on the account. Customers will also receive a $1 per trip discount on all tolled trips on the 91 Express Lanes after 30 tolled trips, with a maximum discount of $50 per account.
- Express Club – This plan will be eliminated, and current customers will be asked to select between the Convenience or Standard plans.
The transponder changes will go into effect in early 2019 and customers will be notified about the new transponders and account structures.