IPass Tolls

It’s been awhile since we took a trip out of state. Yes, we do go from northern Virginia to DC almost every week, and also visit our family in central Virginia. But this was the first time we have actually driven up the eastern seaboard to New England. Before moving to DC air was always from the Midwest. And as you might imagine, it is very much like a parking lot - especially during the summer. And that’s why we typically do road trips in the fall to avoid the mess. But since this trip was for a family affair, we didn’t have much control about the date and we got an unexpected invitation just a couple of weeks beforehand. So we were eager to get away and see how we would do on a road trip after three years of hibernation. And luckily it could be done in a single day. We try to avoid toll roads as much as possible too. But we just followed along whatever google maps suggested. So that meant toll roads almost the entire way there. Just getting through the beltway, then Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, New Haven, and finally Boston was both energizing and draining at the same time. We have an IPass transponder but it’s not hooked to the windshield because we also have the Subaru eyesight system. So you need to hold the thing up when you go through IPass. I think I missed it a few times but have no doubt they will track us down. In spite of that the auto replenish occurred twice - which meant we spent almost eighty dollars on tolls - seventeen dollars just to cross the George Washington bridge in New York. All we know is that we survived the parking lot traffic, but don’t think we will want to do that route again any time soon. 

The Privilege of Driving on the Turnpike

Whenever we drive to Milwaukee from DC, the shortest route is on the turnpike. I hate the turnpike! It starts around Breezewood near Pennsylvania, and ends after Indiana. But even when there isn't a turnpike, Illinois is full of toll roads. When we lived in Milwaukee, we got I pass transponders for both of our cars because we got tired of stopping and paying cash for every toll road in Illinois. We didn't need them in Wisconisn! We recently had to renew the old transponder from Illinois because it was outdated. They sent us a new one only if we promised to send the old one back. And we manage it from the Illinois website, and they automatically replenish the amount when it reaches a minimum limit. So when we travel on the dreaded turnpike, this transponder works. I feel trapped on this stretch of highway. There are only service plazas with minimal options rather than rest stops and normal exits. Getting on and off is a pain as well. I much prefer the freedom of the interstate. And when we got home, I checked the total amount we paid for the privilege of driving on this special road - 71.59 !!?? Maybe next time we will go the long way for a change in scenery, longer miles, and probably more gas that will cost as much as the toll roads. It's just so annoying when you should be having a good time. Who's idea was that anyway?