We've all seen the 'SunPass' by now right?  If you are not from Florida...I'm sure your local toll road or 'turnpike' has the automated transponder system, but probably called something else.  What you do is buy a 'transponder' that goes somewhere on your windshield and when you drive through the scanning toll area, it will deduct the toll from your prepaid account.  It's been a great move to save time, money and improve safety.  Although the toll lines are not nearly as long here in Florida as they were on the New Jersey Parkway toll road when I used to live up there...it's a great idea.

They are now going to take the SunPass to a whole new level.  Currently, you have the 'SunPass only lanes' at each toll booth with a few 'cash accepted' lanes.  Well, on the Southern span of the Florida Turnpike (from Miramar to Florida City) will go completely cashless by February 2011.  The span between the Golden Glades and the 595 interchange will be converted the following year.  The process will continue until the whole Florida Turnpike system will be cashless.

You might be thinking.. "hmmm..I don't have a SunPass and don't drive on the Turnpike often".  Well, those without the 'transponder' can still pay with cash, but rather than pay at the booth, a camera will snap your vehicle tag and you will be billed at a later time.  Of course, this method will cost you more.  A higher toll will be charged for those choosing this method.  Kind of stinks huh?

If you do happen to have a 'transponder' and an account....you can either have a balance funded that deducts with each toll...or you can choose to be billed later.  Of course, the 'bill me later' choice will come with an administrative fee.  Supermarkets will soon be the 'go-to' places to make payments and handle everything 'toll'.

The state is saying this is a great move to save money and it should also make everyone safer.  You won't need to slow down ahead to pay for the toll, which can cut down on some accidents.  It will also save some time too.  I'm still not that happy that those of us that don't want a transponder..and don't drive on the Turnpike often, will have to pay more.  Then again, I guess more and more items everywhere will be going cashless as technology improves.