Hatem E-ZPass Available, Active on Feb. 1

The transition from the sticker to the transponder is under way at the toll plaza.

On Feb. 1, the Maryland Transportation Authority will discontinue AVI decal sales in travel lanes and begin E-ZPass sales.

Toll Lane 3 at the Hatem Bridge toll plaza switches from AVI decals only to E-ZPass only on Feb. 1.

The final day to use AVI decals is Sept. 30, 2012. Decals with a January 2012 expiration date will be valid through Feb. 29, 2012 to allow motorists to consider E-ZPass options (see below).

The MdTA will also hold community open houses in February—from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 15 at the , and from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 21 at Perryville High School. Snow dates are set for Feb. 22 (Havre de Grace) and Feb. 23 (Perryville).

Some other key dates, as provided by the MdTA:

• Jan. 31 » . 
• Feb. 1 »  Plans accepted at toll plaza.  Plans (Choice A and B) available for purchase at Stop-in Center and by mail
• Feb. 13 » On-line enrollment available at ezpassmd.com
• Feb. 29 » Decals with January expiration valid through this date.  
• Aug. 31 » Last day to purchase AVI Decal and T-series tickets.
• Sept. 30 » Last day to use AVI Decal and T-series tickets. 
• Jan. 31, 2013 » Last day to receive Choice A transponders at no charge
• July 1, 2013 » Cost for Plans increases to $20 per year

E-ZPass transponders will be offered in two options:

• CHOICE A: an E-ZPass for use on the only. The annual fee is $10, with no fees, pre-paid toll deposits or account statements. The transponder is free until Jan. 31, 2013, when the price moves to $9 for a new transponder. This option is considered the "AVI equivalent" by the MdTA.
• CHOICE B: an E-ZPass valid wherever E-ZPass is accepted. This account is $10 per year for use, and includes a $25 pre-paid balance for use at other toll facilities. It is subject to a transponder charge and a monthly account fee, unless used at least three times the previous month to pay tolls in Maryland. This plan offers a 10 percent discount off the cash rate at Maryland toll plazas. It is considered the more flexible option by the MdTA.

E-ZPass transponders will be sold at the stop-in center, though motorists are advised to visit the JFK E-ZPass administration building on Turnpike Drive—easily accessible from MD Route 222 (see Mapquest map for directions).

What are your plans for crossing the Susquehanna River? Will you choose one of the E-ZPass options? Or are you considering another alternative? Tell us in the comments.