CHARLOTTE— With the upcoming opening of the express lanes on I-77, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority is reminding drivers they can pay the lowest toll rate by signing up for an NC Quick Pass transponder account.
Drivers can stop by the NC Quick Pass Customer Service Center in Charlotte (8015 W. W.T. Harris Blvd.) on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to pick up a transponder before the Monday morning commute.
NC Quick Pass is the Turnpike Authority's toll collection program that is also used for the Monroe Expressway and Triangle Expressway. While the I-77 express lanes are operated by a private company, the Turnpike Authority’s role is to provide account management, billing and customer service, providing one entity for all tolling customer service in North Carolina.
With an NC Quick Pass transponder, drivers save up to 35 percent on tolls in North Carolina, which are automatically deducted from a prepaid balance.
How to get your NC Quick Pass transponder:
- Stop by an NC Quick Pass Customer Service Center
- Visit ncquickpass.com
- Call 877-769-7277
Drivers who already have an E-ZPass, SunPass, or Peach Pass receive the same 35 percent discount that NC Quick Pass customers do on all toll facilities in North Carolina.
Drivers who do not wish to sign up for a transponder account will pay tolls through the Bill by Mail program. Overhead toll gantries along the express lanes will capture an image of the license plate and following travel, the registered owner of the vehicle will receive an invoice in the mail.
Drivers who sign up for an NC Quick Pass account can also set High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV3+) status and travel in the I-77 express lanes for free when there are at least three or more people in the vehicle, including the driver. The existing general purpose lanes will always be a free travel option for all drivers who do not want to use the express lanes.
For more information about NC Quick Pass, transponder options or how to travel in the express lanes for free, visit www.ncquickpass.com.