Richmond completes transition to all‑electronic tolling

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority (RMTA) has announced that it has fully transitioned to all-electronic tolling (AET) on select Richmond roadways.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, RMTA announced in a press release that it has finished transitioning to AET on the Powhite Parkway, Downtown Expressway, Boulevard Bridge and all ramps.

RMTA stated in the press release that the transition has been smooth and was a major milestone in RMTA's efforts to make travel in Richmond easier for drivers.

The AET is a new tolling system that allows tolls to be accepted entirely electronically through E-ZPass or Pay-By-Plate when vehicles drive under the overhead structure, which is called a gantry.

RMTA said that this change modernizes the toll collection process and improves the traffic flow while improving road safety, per the release.

RMTA wants to alert drivers of the following:

• There is no cash, so stopping at a toll booth is not required. Vehicles will be detected through the overhead equipment that can read E-ZPass and license plates.
• Drivers traveling without an E-ZPass will use the Pay-By-Plate option. A camera will take a picture of the vehicle's license plate and the registered owner will receive a statement in the mail.
• Drivers are being encouraged to get an E-ZPass for a cheaper trip. An E-ZPass costs for two-axles is $.90 on the Powhite Parkway and Downtown Expressway. For drivers who use the Pay-By-Plate, the rate will be $2.

For more information, visit RMTA's website here.