Newport Bridge Moving To All-Electronic Tolling

NEWPORT, RI — Big changes are coming to the Newport Pell Bridge this fall. Starting in October, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority will switch to all-electronic toll collection on the bridge.

Lori Caron Silveira, the RITBA's executive director, said the change logistically makes sense, considering how few drivers opt for cash or card payments at toll booths.

"We are continuing to modernize and streamline our operations and all-electronic tolling is the next step," Silveira said. "In 2020, approximately 11 percent of vehicles were paying with cash or credit and it makes sense to better utilize our staff and our resources where they are needed most. We are grateful to our toll collectors for their many years of hard work and especially appreciate their dedication during the pandemic and this transition."

The department has toyed with all-electronic tolling over the past year, closing toll booths during overnight hours during the pandemic and running a four-week test program back in February. Starting in October, no cash or credit cards will be accepted at toll booths.

Drivers with an EZ Pass transponder will continue to receive any applicable discounts on their plan. Anyone without a transponder will receive a toll invoice by mail. Existing EZ Pass users were asked to check their account details to ensure the information on file is up to date.

"If you do not already have an E-ZPass, we strongly suggest you sign up soon," Silveira. "We expect transponder demand to be high as October nears and want to make sure that everyone is equipped to take advantage of the discounted toll rates."