Are You Ready for No More Toll Booths and No Cash?

If you don’t drive on the Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90) with any regularity, you may have missed the news that effective October 28, 2016, cash will no longer be accepted for tolls. No more toll booths at exits. If you haven’t heard many details, here’s a summary to help you stay informed.

How electronic tolls work:

Instead of stopping at toll booths, you’ll drive under overhead toll gantries that straddle the roadway while traveling at highway speed.

  • If you HAVE an E-ZPass transponder, the gantries will recognize your transponder and deduct money from your account.
  • If you DON’T HAVE an E-ZPass transponder, the gantries will take pictures of your license plate and the registered owner of the vehicle will get a bill in the mail through the Pay by Plate Program.

Drivers will now be charged for every individual gantry that they pass under, rather than paying for the total distance that they’ve driven at their final exit. 16 gantries will replace the current 26 toll plazas.  Under the new electronic tolls, the toll schedule has been adjusted and in many cases drivers will realize savings. However, some drivers will pay more.

Non-transponder drivers will pay significantly more:

If you don’t have an E-ZPass transponder, be aware that it’s going to cost you significantly more to travel on the Mass Pike because of additional surcharges and billing fees. Non-transponder drivers will pay an extra toll surcharge at each gantry they drive under in addition to the toll.  They will also have to pay a $.60 cent billing fee.  Additional fees will apply for overdue toll payments.

How much will it cost to travel on the Mass Pike after October 28:

Use the online Mass Pike Toll Calculator to see how much it will cost to travel between points on the Pike. For passenger vehicles, you can change the “Vehicle Class/Type” between “Class 1 – 2 Axle Passenger Vehicle w/E-ZPass MA”  and “Class 1 – 2 Axle Passenger Vehicle w/ 2-4 single tires to see the difference in tolls depending on if you have or don’t have a transponder. The difference can be substantial!

Getting an E-ZPass transponder is easy:

Why pay more to travel the Pike, when you can get a Massachusetts E-ZPass transponder?  It’s  FREE! You can sign up for a transponder online. Once you have your transponder, the tolls can be automatically deducted from your bank account or charged to a credit card depending on the payment method you select. If you prefer to print out and mail or fax in your application, you can usethe private passenger auto E-ZPass application. It may take a little longer to process by mail or fax.

Existing toll booths will be demolished. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. The plan is to initially divert traffic to the outer left and right lanes so that the center toll booths can be demolished and the roadway reconstructed. Here’s looking toward hopefully smoother driving along the Pike with the implementation of all electronic tolling.

Read Other Blog Posts

Candle on table

Candle Safety Considerations

Candles provide a warm ambiance for an intimate dinner, a sparkling decoration for a birthday cake or a nice scent for your home. Ambiance aside, candles can be a fire hazard if they are left unattended or placed where they can start other objects on fire. If you enjoy candles, be sure to follow these tips to use them safely.
Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages SMM

Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual: Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages

Murphy Insurance Agency has launched a new Condominium Owner's Manual designed to help you prevent costly home repairs and avoid common insurance claims. Backed by decades of real-world experience, this practical guide provides seasonal tips, safety advice, and a comprehensive maintenance checklist to protect your home—and your wallet—all year round. Download your copy today!
Deer Sign

Road Safety and Wildlife: What Drivers Need to Know

Every year, countless accidents occur because drivers aren't prepared for unexpected encounters with animals on the road. Whether it's a deer darting across a rural highway or a stray dog wandering into city traffic, these moments can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Staying alert and understanding how to respond in these situations can make a critical difference in preventing harm and keeping roads safer for everyone.
Quest for the Best 2025

We Did It Again! 5-Time Gold Winners in Quest for the Best

We’re proud to announce we’ve won Gold in MyFM 101.3’s Quest for the Best – Insurance Category for the 5th year in a row! Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support us. If you're a client, we’re grateful for your trust. If you’re looking for a second opinion, we’d love the chance to earn your business.
Happy driver

The Benefits of Raising Your Limits

An overwhelming majority of states require individuals to carry insurance in order to operate a vehicle. While meeting these minimum limits may be enough to get you on the road, they may be inadequate if you are involved in a serious accident. For better protection, you may want to consider raising your limits to secure proper protection.
Murphy Insurance Team

27 Reasons to Work with Murphy Insurance Agency

For more than 88 years, Murphy Insurance Agency has been a trusted partner for families, individuals, and businesses across Massachusetts. As a family-owned and independent agency, we prioritize relationships over transactions, offering guidance and support tailored to your needs. With access to more than 25 top-rated carriers, we deliver personalized solutions, competitive options, and peace of mind. Discover 27 reasons why thousands have chosen Murphy Insurance to protect what matters most.
Personal Article Floater

What Is a Personal Article Floater—and Do You Need One?

Many people assume that their home or renters insurance covers all their personal belongings—but it's not always that simple. While these policies do offer significant protection, there are usually limits, especially when it comes to high-value or one-of-a-kind items. If you own something valuable, rare, or that you often take with you, you may want to consider adding a personal article floater to your coverage.
Home Fall Prep for Winter

Fall Into Home Prep: Smart Projects to Help You Avoid Winter Insurance Claims

Fall is the perfect time to tackle home maintenance projects before winter sets in. Use our seasonal checklist to protect your home, prevent costly damage, and keep everything running smoothly—inside and out.
Living room

Renting Out Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About Liability and Insurance

Renting out your home—whether short-term or long-term—can provide extra income but also introduces legal and insurance risks. Before listing your property, it's essential to research local laws, use a clear rental agreement, screen tenants carefully, and ensure your insurance policy provides the right coverage. Taking steps like securing valuables, documenting your home’s condition, and staying accessible can help protect your property and minimize potential issues.

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected. Visit our auto insurance page to learn more.