Halifax Harbour Bridges answers your MacPass questions
Posted Jul 28, 2018 05:30:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Earlier this week, HalifaxToday.ca posted a story on Halifax Harbour Bridges surveying customers about their MacPass program.
HHB is currently in the preliminary stages of studying the viability of going cashless.
Earlier this year, cameras were installed in each of the cash lanes on both the Macdonald and MacKay bridges to get a better idea of where those who pay by loonie to cross the harbour are from.
They've also launched an online survey asking Haligonians who don't have one, why not, and those who do, what they do and don't like about the program.
Comments on our Facebook page indicate there's a lot of questions and confusion when it comes to MacPasses, so we partnered with NEWS 95.7's The Sheldon MacLeod Show to get some answers from Halifax Harbour Bridges communications manager Alison MacDonald.
How do I get a MacPass?
The easiest way to go to macpass.com and fill out an application.
“One will be mailed out to you,” said MacDonald. “You don't have to pay for postage, you don't have to pay for the transponder, we'll cover all of that. We want to make it as easy as possible.”
She said another option is to pop into their customer service centre Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., which is located at 471 Princess Margaret Blvd.
“One of our customer service representatives would be more than happy to set you up.”
Does it cost money to get a MacPass?
There is no cost for the actual transponder, however customers do have to pre-pay their tolls.
“You put a certain amount down onto your account and as that amount goes down, once it gets to a certain threshold, you put more money into your account.”
Do I need a credit card to pre-pay for my tolls?
“You can set it up from a credit card or a chequing account to pay for your tolls,” explained MacDonald.
Customers can also pay cash if they pop into customer service centre on Princess Margaret Blvd., but there will be an additional monthly service fee for that option.
Ninety per cent of users either pay by credit card or through their chequing account.
I don't use the bridges very often, why should I bother getting a MacPass?
Transponders are free, they can be ordered online and delivered to your home for no charge. Having one also reduces the cost per crossing the bridge from $1 to 80 cents.
Plus no more fumbling around looking for a loonie, no ending up in the automated lane and realizing you have no change, and no missing the basket when you try to throw it in.
“Regardless of how many times you use it, it is still a less expensive and faster, more efficient way to cross the bridge.”
In addition to the MacKay and Macdonald, where can I use my MacPass?
MacPasses can be used to pay tolls at the Cobequid Pass and the Confederation Bridge, but not until you set up those options.
“They are separate accounts, so it's the same transponder, but a different account,” said MacDonald. “You do have to set them up at those facilities.”
You can also use your MacPass to pay for parking at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, but only if your account is set up with a credit card.
I have a motorcycle, where do I put my MacPass?
Unfortunately there's no good place to mount a MacPass on a motorcycle where it would be easily registered by the MacPass reader.
This causes a safety issue. If a motorcyclist's MacPass isn't detected and the gate doesn't go up, the rider would have to stop suddenly and could get rear-ended by the car behind them.
“That's why we do ask that motorcycles go to a cash lane and present the MacPass (at the MacPass reader) by the coin machine.”
My Velcro straps wore out and my MacPass won't stick to my windshield, how do I get replacements?
Just stop off at any open toll booth and ask the Halifax Harbour Bridges employee.
“We also have sticker tags … they just have to go into the MacPass customer service centre.”
If you go cashless, how will tourists and others without a MacPass pay?
Tolling authorities in other areas read licence plates and send a bill. That could be an option in Halifax.
“If we see a licence plate go through the tolls once, we probably wouldn't send an invoice, but if we see a licence plate multiple times we would send them an invoice and recommend they get a MacPass.”
MacDonald added some other jurisdictions offer the option to get a pre-paid account.
How many people are already using MacPasses?
According to MacDonald, 75 per cent of bridge crossers are already using a MacPass. During peak hours, that rises to 85 per cent.
Why are we paying tolls? Haven't we already paid for the bridges?
The Macdonald Bridge has been in operation for 63 years, vehicles have been crossing the MacKay for 48 years.
“When you operate large pieces of infrastructure over a long period of time, you have to invest into their ongoing maintenance,” explained Macdonald.
She compares it to owning a home where the longer you have it, the more you have to invest in it.
