Fastlane Transponders Die

Here in MA we have one toll road and a few toll bridges and tunnels. Interstate 90 in MA is known as the "Mass Pike". I guess close to 10 years ago they started the Fastlane service which is the in-car transponder that lets you go through toll booths without stopping, charging an account you set up. Cleverly states up and down the east coast are using a compatible system, it's known as E-ZPass in the NY area. I got one when I was making lots of trips to NY. It's practically required there as usually 80% of the lanes are E-ZPass, not using it adds a half hour to your trip. It's also nice that you can use it to pay for parking at the Route 128 Amtrak station.

On Sunday I went to Boston and used it and while going through the one toll booth instead of the green light I got the yellow "Call Fastlane" light. I got it on the way home too. Of course it was a holiday weekend so they weren't in. I looked online and found nothing to help. I called yesterday and was told since my transponder was 8 years old, it probably died and needs to be replaced. She could send me one for $25 or I could stop at the Fastlane Service Center on the PIke in Natick and get one for $20.

So I ran errands in the area and stopped there today. They tested it and it was dead, apparently there's a battery in there. They are only warranted for 3 years and after that is a $20 replacement fee. I didn't see any reason I should have to pay for that but there wasn't a choice other than to turn in the transponder.

I got on the pike at exit 13 using a Fastlane lane and I don't think any of the lights lit. In that section there's an entry and exit scan that computes your toll (without Fastlane you get a ticket that you turn in when you exit the pike). So since I wasn't scanned on when I leave using the new transponder I'll be charged as if I got on at exit 1. I have to wait a couple of days for it to work through the system (?!?!) and then call and have my toll adjusted.