[DRH]

Here's an update that was posted on the NH DOT's web site yesterday:
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Project Update
June 3, 2005

On June 2, 2005, a resolution to move forward with the implementation of E-ZPass was approved by Governor John Lynch and the Executive Council.

The highlights of the approved resolution are as follows:

• Transponders (both private and commercial) will be sold for $5.00 each until May 1, 2006. The cost for transponders after May 1, 2006 will be at the wholesale price to the State.
• There will be no monthly account maintenance fee.
• Monthly statements will be available via the internet for free or to receive home or business mailings at a cost of $1.00 per month for private accounts and $2.00 per month for commercial accounts.
• The discount rate for private NH E-ZPass accounts (4 transponders or less) has been set at 30%.
• The discount rate for commercial NH E-ZPass accounts (5 transponders or more) has been set at 10%.
• Only NH E-ZPass accounts with NH transponders will receive a discount when the E-ZPass system is used for toll fare payment at NH toll plazas.
• E-ZPass Transponders from other states (Maine, Fast Lane (MA), NY etc.) will work at NH toll plazas when the system is deployed.
• NH Turnpike tokens will continue to be sold and accepted for toll fare payment until July 1, 2007.
• The token discount will remain at 50%.
• E-ZPass is a prepaid system.
• Private accounts, with one to two transponders on the account, will require an initial toll revenue deposit of $30.00.
• Private accounts, with three to four transponders on the account, will require an initial toll revenue deposit of $60.00.
• Commercial accounts (5 or more transponders) will require an initial prepaid toll revenue deposit of $75.00 per transponder on the account.

It is anticipated that on June 20, 2005, customers will be able to open E-ZPass accounts via the internet, phone, fax or local NH walk-in centers located in Hooksett, Nashua and Seabrook, NH.

NH E-ZPass Customer Service Center

Acceptable forms of payment will be credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover), cash and check. Debit cards and ACH payments from checking/savings accounts will not be accepted.

The Department of Transportation has contracted with ACS State & Local Solutions, Inc. to provide all customer service center functions related to the NH E-ZPass system. At this time they are actively working to get their software system ready to begin accepting accounts.

The NH Department of Transportation estimates that E-ZPass will begin to be deployed at NH toll facilities during mid July 2005. E-ZPass will be phased in over a 4-6 week time frame.

The order of implementation is as follows:

1. Hooksett Main, Hooksett Ramp & Bedford Toll Plazas
2. Merrimack Ramp Toll Plazas (Exits 10-11-12)
3. Dover & Rochester Toll Plazas
4. Hampton Main and Hampton Ramp Toll Plazas

As more information becomes available, it will be posted here on our website.

Thank you for your interest in NH’s E-ZPass Program!