Detroit Tunnel phases out toll tokens

The Detroit Windsor Tunnel, which travels under the Detroit River and links Canada and the USA, has announced that it will stop selling the toll payment tokens that have been in use at the crossing since the early 1970s. The tokens will not be available from March 1, although it will be possible t use them until December 31. The coin-like tokens were bought at a discount, wrapped in paper tubes rolls and were accepted by cash machines. The tokens paid for single trip and simplified cash payment when multiple coins were required for the fee. Neil Belitsky, president of tunnel’s operating company, described their demise as, “the end of an era.”

The Detroit Windsor Tunnel LLC will still accept cash and credit/debit card payments, but is urging customers to sign up for electronic tolling using the ‘NEXPRESS’ RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) proximity card. Later in the year, the company will be expanding payment options with the addition of 6C sticker tags and a cell phone application. The ISO 18000-compliant 6C sticker tags will also be usable at the nearby Ambassador Bridge, where they have replaced E-ZPass IAG protocol transponders.

20 February 2013