First statements are mailed after switch to all-electronic tolling transition in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The first statements are being mailed to customers after the installation of the all-electronic tolling (AET) transition on Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority (RMTA) expressway systems in Richmond.

Drivers who have traveled on the Powhite Parkway, Downtown Expressway, Boulevard Bridge and other associated ramps without an E-ZPass after Feb. 28 will soon receive their first statement in the mail as part of the RMTA's transition to AET.

For those who receive a statement, it means your vehicle traveled on the RMTA expressway system without using an E-ZPass. The new tolling system has eliminated the need to pay in cash. All tolls are now collected electronically as vehicles pass through the overhead structure, a gantry.

Statements are typically mailed twice a month after a vehicle's license plate information is verified, according to the release.

Drivers who use an E-ZPass will continue to be charged through their account. However, for those without an E-ZPass, a camera will take pictures of your vehicle's license plate, which is called Pay-By-Plate.

If the license plate is not associated with an E-ZPass account, a statement with toll charges will be mailed to the registered vehicle owner.

However, there is one exception: cash is still accepted on the Downtown Expressway from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Outside of these hours, only E-ZPass and Pay-By-Plate will be accepted.

“Drivers may receive statements for the first time as part of our transition to all-electronic tolling. We want to ensure customers understand why they are receiving these statements and how easy it is to review them and pay their tolls,” said Joi Taylor Dean, CEO of RMTA. “We also encourage drivers to ensure their vehicle and license plate information is up to date with E-ZPass and the DMV to avoid billing issues.”

For drivers who receive a statement, they should do the following:

• Pay the charge by the due date in order to avoid any fees. They can be paid in the following ways: 
  • Online through RMTA's website here by clicking "Pay Tolls" for the payment portal.
  • By calling (833) 990-5405
  • Through the mail by following the instructions that are provided on the statement.
• Save money by purchasing an E-ZPass.
  • Drivers with an E-ZPass pay $0.90 for two-axle vehicles, while drivers using Pay-By-Play have to pay $2 on the Powhite Parkway and Downtown Expressway.
• By creating a prepaid GoRMTA account, if you prefer not to get an E-ZPass.
  • Prepaid GoRMTA accounts do not offer any discounted toll rates like E-ZPass, but drivers can prepay, track tolls and manage their travel and payments.
• If additional help is needed, visit the RMTA's frequently asked questions page here or call customer service at (833) 990-5405.

Additionally, RMTA wants to remind drivers with an E-ZPass of the following:

• In order to avoid fees, maintain sufficient account balances.
• To ensure an accurate toll read, transponders should be properly mounted on windshields.
• Keep E-ZPass account information up to date, including vehicle and license plate details.
• If transponders are not registering your vehicle at tolls, contact E-ZPass. This could indicate that the transponder batteries may be low, and they can not be replaced by a driver.

For more information, visit RMTA's website here.