Any of you Calif. folks using Fastrak?

scottmandue · 12-21-2007, 02:33 PM

I have been commuting down to San Diego on the weekend and I have found using the 73 is worth the $5 to cut at least half an hour off the drive. Although I have just been paying cash at the toll both I think it might be cool to get a transponder so I can jam on past the toll booth. Anyone using the Fastrak system and are you happy with it?

PeteT · 12-21-2007, 03:14 PM

Works great. Costco used to have a deal if you used your American Express card that they gave you a discount.

trekkor · 12-21-2007, 03:20 PM

Been using it for about seven years now.
Sometimes it does work and you may get a "fine".
Once they see that the car in the automatic tollbooth camera is registered to you, you're cleared. Happens once a year or so.

The set-up is very convenient.

KT

motion · 12-21-2007, 03:28 PM

Grrrrrrrrrr

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

I really can't understand why anyone that crosses a toll bridge or hwy more than once a month wouldn't have one. Yeah, yeah, the tinfoil hat types won't, but I've got bigger concerns.

My wife's car transponder has never worked right. But the license plate is registered into the system, so no problem.

trekkor · 03:57 PM

Speaking of tin foil, "they" give you a little mylar/foil bag you can store the transponder inside of when you don't want to be "tracked".

At least, "they" gave me one.

KT

motion · 12-21-2007, 04:12 PM

So mylar is the new tin foil? Love it.

scottmandue · 12-21-2007, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motion

Grrrrrrrrrr

???

kstar · 12-21-2007, 04:14 PM

That little bag actually serves as an antenna making the transponder more visible; "they" figure you not wanting to be tracked is a better reason to track you.

Best,

Kurt

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

We have the EZ Pass on the east coast and it's unreliable, but nice when it works. Once, on my bike, I went into the EZ Pass-only lane with the transponder inside the map cover on my tank bag. Didn't work and there was a gate arm, so I couldn't just ride through. I had to peel off my gloves, dig my wallet out and get cash and change while the cars piled up behind me. A few weeks later I was riding to OH and on the PA Turnpike, went into the cash lane. It wouldn't give me a ticket, so I pressed the help button. The lady said "You have an EZ Pass, move along." It was buried down in my tank bag, but worked then.

motion · 12-21-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottmandue

???

Long story involving transponders, rental cars, motorcycles and collection agencies. I will never again own a Fast Track transponder.

BeyGon · 12-21-2007, 04:24 PM

Using the transponder saves you money, you see it on the signs. Not a lot but if you use it everyday it is something.

vash · vash's Garage

in the bay area, some bridges are better than others. the benicia, you can fly with fastrak. FLY! on the bay bridge, it is alot slower. i dont know why anyone would pay with cash anymore. i had mine from the beginning. i will never go back.

911Urge · 911Urge's Garage

I have Fastrak in all my cars. Works in the Bay area when I drive up that way too. Never had any problem with it in over 5 yrs.

cantdrv55 · 12-21-2007, 09:50 PM

I don't leave home w/o FastTrak.

scottmandue · 12-22-2007, 07:12 AM

So if I understand correctly it cost $1 a month as long as you register with a credit card and they waive that if you go over $30 a month?

I guess my concern is what motion is describing, once thy have my credit card info what if their system goes bonkers and start charging me up the a$$ for no apparent reason.

Of course with Murphy's law in effect the minute I get one my reason for commuting to San Diego will go away.