What is peach pass

Peach Pass is an electronic toll collection system used in the state of Georgia to allow drivers to pay tolls automatically on certain highways, express lanes, and other toll facilities without stopping. It operates similarly to other transponder-based systems like E-PASS in Florida or EZ-Pass in the northeastern U.S.

Key Features of Peach Pass:

1. Electronic Toll Transponder:

• The Peach Pass is a small transponder device that you attach to your vehicle’s windshield. It communicates with toll gantries to automatically deduct toll charges from a prepaid account when you pass through a toll lane or express lane.

2. Prepaid Account:

• Drivers set up a Peach Pass account with prepaid funds. Each time they use a toll road, the appropriate toll amount is deducted from this account.

3. Where It’s Used:

• Peach Pass can be used on toll roads and express lanes in Georgia, such as:
  • I-85 Express Lanes: North of Atlanta.
  • I-75 South Metro Express Lanes: Located in Clayton and Henry counties.
  • I-75 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes: North of Atlanta.

– Peach Pass can also be used on toll roads in Florida (SunPass) and North Carolina (Quick Pass) due to interoperability agreements.

4. Express Lanes:

• Peach Pass is primarily used on Express Lanes. These are dedicated lanes designed to reduce congestion by allowing users to pay for a faster, less crowded travel option. Toll rates on these lanes can vary based on traffic conditions, with higher tolls during peak times and lower tolls during off-peak hours. This is known as dynamic pricing.

5. Interoperability:

• Peach Pass works not only in Georgia but also in other states, including Florida (SunPass system) and North Carolina (Quick Pass system), thanks to tolling partnerships. However, it is not yet compatible with the EZ-Pass network.

6. Discounts and Benefits:

– Some Peach Pass users may qualify for discounts or benefits, especially for high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) or registered clean energy vehicles, which can sometimes use the express lanes for free or at reduced rates.

Benefits of Using Peach Pass:

• Convenience: No need to stop at toll booths or carry cash, as tolls are deducted automatically.
• Time Savings: Access to express lanes can help drivers avoid traffic congestion and reduce travel time, especially during peak traffic periods.
• Cost Control: Peach Pass users can monitor their account and control how much they spend on tolls, and dynamic pricing ensures that drivers pay based on current road conditions.

Peach Pass is an efficient way for drivers in Georgia to move through toll roads and express lanes more quickly, and it’s an integral part of the state’s effort to manage traffic congestion.