Pay Per Trip (E-ZPass)

Pay Per Trip is one of the ways to fund an E-ZPass New York account. Your account is linked directly to your bank account, and "no money is held as a 'prepaid balance' like with the other E-ZPass plans. Instead, Pay Per Trip enables you to pay for your E-ZPass tolls the same day you use them" (Port Authority).

The MTA describes it the same way: instead of keeping a minimum balance, you "pay for only the tolls you use by linking your E-ZPass directly to your bank account," and it is open to new and existing account holders (MTA). The MTA's congestion FAQ adds: "If you opt into Pay Per Trip, no pre-paid balance is required" (MTA FAQ).

Why it matters to TLC drivers

The full comparison of all three funding methods (automatic replenishment, Pay Per Trip and cash at VanillaDirect stores) is in paying for E-ZPass without a credit card.

Where you will see this term

• On the E-ZPass NY website, which has its own Pay Per Trip FAQ (the Port Authority page links to it).
• On the MTA's "How to pay tolls" page, listed with automatic replenishment and cash payments.
• On the Port Authority's E-ZPass page, under its own "Pay Per Trip" heading.

Common mix-ups

• Not Tolls by Mail. Pay Per Trip is still E-ZPass, so you get E-ZPass rates where your tag and plate are read. Tolls by Mail is a bill sent to the registered owner when there is no E-ZPass account.
• Not available on out-of-state accounts. The Port Authority says it is offered only to E-ZPass New York account holders.
• Not the owner's replenishment deposit. If the owner supplies the tag, TLC rules let the owner require a replenishment account from the driver; that is a separate arrangement (replenishment account).

Related: E-ZPass, the New York Customer Service Center, tag holders, who pays tolls on taxi trips, how many crossings use E-ZPass, and the congestion charges for TLC drivers. More in the tolls hub.