MDOT announces Blue Water Bridge to remain cashless indefinitely

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced its tolls on the Blue Water Bridge will remain cashless indefinitely.

The eastbound tolls have not accepted cash since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. A press release from MDOT said permanently moving to a cashless operation will improve efficiency and support partial automation for the tolls.

The Blue Water Bridge initially stopped accepting cash to minimize exposure of COVID-19 to the bridge service representatives and supervisors at the tolls.

The Blue Water Bridge currently accepts payment methods such as single crossing with a credit/debit card or Apple/Google Pay and pre-paid commercial or commuter accounts, which are available through MDOT's EDGE Pass program, using RFID tags.

Customers can apply for the EDGE Pass by visiting www.BlueWaterBridge.us/.

Blue Water Bridge leadership are choosing to adopt the decision permanently as the cashless environment has benefitted tolling operations. Staff reported reduced congestion and emissions, and increased efficiency. Going cashless also aligns the MDOT Blue Water Bridge with more than 55% of tolling operations nationwide which are also cashless.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, MDOT Blue Water Bridge will no longer accept checks, money orders and cashier's checks, which were collected to allow U.S. and foreign account holders to the ability to add funds to their pre-paid accounts. The addition of new tolling software eliminates this need, and allows account holders to place a credit or debit card on file.

It also supports auto re-bill to help them more seamlessly manage their accounts.

Commercial and commuter customers can also easily manage their accounts by enrolling in the EDGE Pass program. Commuters receive a discounted toll rate for non-commercial vehicles with no more than two axles. The EDGE Pass also offers commuters a dedicated toll lane. Both commercial and commercial accounts holders have 24-hour access to their accounts online.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com or (810) 292-0122.

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This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Blue Water Bridge goes cashless permanently