With the Queensland-first transition to free-flow tolling on the Gateway and Logan motorways starting today, motorists can now purchase toll passes and top up their accounts manually at more than 450 south-east Queensland service stations, newsagents and convenience stores.
(Media-Newswire.com) - With the Queensland-first transition to free-flow tolling on the Gateway and Logan motorways starting today, motorists can now purchase toll passes and top up their accounts manually at more than 450 south-east Queensland service stations, newsagents and convenience stores.
Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said automatic cash lanes on the motorways would close from today and manual cash booths would be phased out over the next few weeks.
“This is an exciting step in the transition to full free-flow tolling on our motorways,” Mr Wallace said. “The launch of go viavideo passes at retail outlets is part of our transition plan to prepare motorists for free-flow tolling.
“Later this month, all cash lanes will be closed and motorists will no longer need to stop and pay their tolls on the road.
“Capacity through free-flow tolling points is three to five times faster than travelling through cash lanes. It’s also far safer with no need for weaving, accelerating and merging at the plazas.
“While cash booths will close later this month, the booths will still need to be removed from the road and it is expected that they will be cleared by October – that’s when motorists can expect to feel the full benefits of free-flow tolling.
“For a trip across the Logan and Gateway motorways, it’s expected it will save up to 10 minutes in travel time.
“When our $1.88 billion Gateway Upgrade Project is complete in 2011, motorists can expect to save another 15 minutes.”
Mr Wallace said selected United, Coles Express, BP, Caltex, Matilda, Freedom Fuels, Nextra, Supanews and Night Owl stores would begin selling go viavideo passes and processing manual top-ups to go via accounts from today.
“Queensland Motorways has entered into an agreement with e-pay, a leading provider of pre-paid products in Australia, which has existing terminals and hardware in a wide network of retailers,” he said.
“Working with e-pay has enabled Queensland Motorways to access a proven system of point-of-sale retail terminals, as well as a global network of support, technology and market experience.”
Mr Wallace said the new go viavideo passes were best for motorists who didn’t want to have a tag in their vehicle, only used the motorways occasionally or wanted to pay with cash.
“Customers who have a go via account and wish to top up with cash will also be able to do so at one of our go via participating retailers,” he said.
“At retail, motorists will have the choice of two passes. The go viavideo trip pass will enable them to pay for a single or return journey on the toll road network by selecting one of the different trip pass options. The go viavideo toll credit pass will enable them to deposit toll credits against their vehicle from a choice of eight pre-set denominations ranging between $3 and $50.
“Transacting at the go via retail outlets will be simple. All you need to provide is your vehicle’s registration number, state of registration and the activation date for the pass. Your pass can be activated on the day of purchase or backdated by up to three days to cover travel already completed. All passes are valid for 30 days from activation.”
Mr Wallace said details for the full range of go via payment options were available online at govia.com.au, over the phone at 1300 0 GO VIA ( 1300 046 842 ), and at Queensland Motorways Customer Service Centres. Alternatively you can also visit the Gateway Service Centre at 1051 Lytton Road, Murarrie or the Stapylton Service Centre, Stapylton Road, Heathwood.
Quick facts:
Free-flow tolling is a no-stopping tolling system which will reduce traffic congestion, improve travel times and enhance safety on the road. With free-flow tolling the go viatag will be the cheapest way to pay tolls. The go viatag works exactly the same way as the former E toll tag. Motorists who already have an E toll tag can use this with free-flow tolling. Queensland Motorways currently has more than 650,000 tags in the market. Free-flow tolling includes electronic tolling ( an in-vehicle tag ) and video tolling, where an image of the vehicle and its number plate is captured and matched against a database. A $0.40 video matching fee per toll point applies to go viavideo payment options. go viavideo passes include: a trip pass for one of eight pre-selected routes, either single or return trips, or a toll credit pass with a choice of eight pre-set denominations of $3, $5, $10, $15, $20, $25, $30 and $50. Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office 3896 3689
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