Difference btwn Sunpass and Epass (417) (Miami, Orlando: 2014, credit, moving)

[MovingtoFL2014]

Hi,

We've been doing a lot of traveling on 417.

We need one of those passes .. but we see both Sunpass and Epass. What is difference and where do they work and not work?

And is it true you can get at Publix?

Thx

[Spring Hillian]

Originally Posted by MovingtoFL2014

Hi,

We've been doing a lot of traveling on 417.

We need one of those passes .. but we see both Sunpass and Epass. What is difference and where do they work and not work?

And is it true you can get at Publix?

Thx

E-Pass is an invention of The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), an agency of the state, created by the Florida Legislature. CFX is an independent, locally controlled transportation authority. Maintaining local control is expected to better serve that area. Epass has a discount program. It is interoperable with Sunpass.

Sunpass was created by the Florida Department of Transportation. Sunpass customers get an average of a 25¢ discount on most tolls. Sunpass is fully interoperable with E-Pass.

Publix should carry them as well as CVS and Walgreens.

[DebSchroeder]

We have the Epass, but they are interchangeable. The Epass website states that they offer discounts with much use per month on so it might be helpful if you will be using the toll road a lot.

From their website: "E-PASS customers pay less on most tolls than those paying with cash. Monthly discounts per transponder: 40-79 transactions receive a 5% discount and 80 or more receive 10%. The discount is computed and credited to your account at the end of each month.* Account holders also save when they drive on other toll roads in Florida, saving approximately 25% or more at most toll plazas.**"

[boy3365]

As far as discounts are concerned, pick the transponder for the type of roads you will be using the most. For example, if most of your time is spent on 408, then E-Pass is best. If you're driving the Turnpike and/or Seminole's portion of 417, then Sunpass is better. Some discounts apply to both transponders simply because you're not using cash.

[LouRou74]

The above says that the two passes are fully interchangeable. However, after a recent trip to micanopy, then to cedar keys, then to Sarasota, and from there to the Orlando airport, and from there to Lake Mary, I received a bill from epass for $3.60. And I have a sunpass which had more than enough money on it to cover that amount. So, they don't seem fully interchangeable to me.

[aislin]

So then at what point is it worth it to get the passes, if someone doesn't need to use tolls to get to work, for example? What happens if you drive thru the pass lanes without a pass?

[0nyxStation]

Originally Posted by MovingtoFL2014

Hi,

We've been doing a lot of traveling on 417.

We need one of those passes .. but we see both Sunpass and Epass. What is difference and where do they work and not work?

And is it true you can get at Publix?

Thx

Go with Sunpass. It has more coverage and it is pretty easy to use.

[0nyxStation]

Originally Posted by LouRou74

The above says that the two passes are fully interchangeable. However, after a recent trip to micanopy, then to cedar keys, then to Sarasota, and from there to the Orlando airport, and from there to Lake Mary, I received a bill from epass for $3.60. And I have a sunpass which had more than enough money on it to cover that amount. So, they don't seem fully interchangeable to me.

Oh really where were you charged? What toll charged you the epass bill?

[SanyBelle]

Originally Posted by aislin

What happens if you drive thru the pass lanes without a pass?

You will probably get a $100 ticket in the mail. They will find you based upon your car license plate.

I've had an E-pass for 20 years. I've used it in Orlando, the Florida Turnpike, the Miami toll roads and the Sanibel toll bridge. It's always worked as far as I know, I've never gotten a ticket in the mail.

[Anna Moose]

Epass and Sunpass are fully interchangable. Any place you see the Epass sign, Sunpass will work, and vice versa. Epass gets all Sunpass discounts. Epass has additional discounts for going through Epass (not Sunpass) over 20 times in a single month. Only Central Florida residents can get Epass, Sunpass is available to everyone. Epass is also free for the sticker (with adding a $10 balance to your toll account), Sunpass charges $5. If you can get Epass, there is no advantage to Sunpass.

If you have no transponder and drive thru the pass lanes without a pass, they are now sending out toll by plate invoices throughout most of the state. You pay the cash rate, plus 20 cents, on each toll booth, plus a service charge per month I believe. If you fail to pay the invoice then a toll violation is applied as well, but they do give you the opportunity to pay without that extra $100 first. There is no reason not to get Epass though, it will save you money even on the first toll.

edit; not sure if they still require central florida residency, the website seems to have removed that requirement... one advantage to sunpass is a little better website