Skip to main content

Toll Roads: A Guide for CareDrivers

Taylor F
Updated

For eligible rides, HopSkipDrive reimburses the tag cost (not pay-by-mail cost) of tolls incurred on toll roads, bridges, and tunnels when a rider or Rider Assistant is in the vehicle. We do not reimburse for the use of optional Express Lanes, HOV Lanes, or other managed lanes that are used to bypass traffic. Please ensure you are only using standard toll roads.

Using a toll transponder is the most effective way to obtain the lowest toll rates. Setting up a transponder with autopay ensures you never miss a payment and avoid late fees.

Important reminders regarding tolls and routes

  • Toll costs and penalties: Driving through a toll plaza without a transponder results in higher pay-by-mail bills, which can include hefty administrative fees. Setting up a transponder with autopay ensures you never miss a payment and avoid late fees. It is your responsibility to maintain your toll account in good standing. HopSkipDrive does not assume responsibility for penalties or additional fees incurred due to late payments or unmanaged accounts.

  • Reimbursement for system-suggested routes only: HopSkipDrive only reimburses for tolls incurred on the routes suggested by our system. If you choose an alternate route, even if it includes tolls, those tolls will not be reimbursed.

  • Route efficiency and feedback: While our system aims to provide the quickest routes, we understand that CareDrivers, as independent contractors, may sometimes have local knowledge of faster alternate routes. If you believe an alternate route (that does not involve non-reimbursable express or HOV lanes) saved time on a trip, please provide feedback through the post-ride survey. Your insights help us improve routing accuracy over time.

  • System ETAs: We are continuously working to improve the accuracy of our system-estimated arrival times (ETAs) to better reflect real-world driving conditions and help prevent unnecessary ride removals.

You can find instructions for obtaining a toll transponder in your area below:

California (Bay Area, San Diego, and Orange County)

In California, the tolling system is called FasTrak. A single FasTrak transponder works on every toll road and bridge in the state, from the Bay Area to San Diego. It's best to sign up with your local agency.

How to sign up for FasTrak:

  1. Go to your local agency's website:

  2. Open an account. Look for a button like Open Account or Get FasTrak. 

  3. Provide your information. You will need your license plate number and a credit or debit card. 

  4. Activate autopay. As part of signing up, you will be required to link a credit card for autopay (sometimes called “auto-replenishment”). This is standard for FasTrak accounts. It automatically adds funds to your account when your balance is low. 

  5. Install your sticker tag. Your FasTrak sticker will arrive in the mail. It must be placed on the inside of your windshield as shown in the instructions to work correctly. Some tags for express lanes have a switch; you will not need this feature, as express lanes are not reimbursable.

Reminder: We reimburse when for tolls on bridges (like the Golden Gate Bridge) and dedicated toll roads (like those in Orange County - SR 73, 133, 241, and 261), when the ride is tagged as reimbursable. We do not reimburse for using optional carpool/express lanes.

Colorado (Denver area)

The ExpressToll transponder works on all Colorado toll roads, including E-470 and the Northwest Parkway. It guarantees you pay the lowest toll rates.

How to sign up for ExpressToll:

  1. Go to expresstoll.com.

  2. Click Create Account.

  3. Provide your information: Have your driver's license, vehicle license plate number, and a valid credit or debit card ready.

  4. Fund your account & set up autopay. You will be asked to make an initial prepaid toll payment (usually around $35). During this process, you will link your credit or debit card for auto-replenishment. It means your account will automatically be refilled when the balance drops, so you never have to worry about it.

  5. Install your transponder: You will receive a sticker transponder in the mail. Instructions for installing your transponder can be found here. 

Reminder: Only tolls from using toll roads like E-470 are reimbursable when the ride indicates that it is eligible for reimbursement. Fees for using optional I-25 or I-70 express lanes to bypass traffic are not reimbursable.


DC Area, Northern Virginia, Richmond, Philadelphia (E-Z Pass Regions)

These regions are all part of the E-ZPass network, which covers 19 states. A single E-ZPass from any member state will work in all of them. It is always best to open your account with your home state's agency.

How to sign up for E-ZPass:

  1. Go to your home state's toll website:
  2. Sign up for an account. Look for a link that says Get Started or Open an E-ZPass Account.

  3. Provide your information. You will need your license plate number, vehicle make/model, and a credit or debit card.

  4. Enable automatic replenishment (Autopay). During signup, you will create a prepaid balance. Select the option for automatic replenishment using a credit card. This is the standard and easiest way to manage an E-ZPass account and ensures you always have funds for tolls.

  5. Install your transponder: E-ZPass usually sends a small plastic transponder (not a sticker). Use the included adhesive strips to mount it on your windshield behind your rearview mirror.

Reminder: E-ZPass can be used on toll roads, bridges, and tunnels, which are reimbursable when the ride is tagged as eligible for reimbursement. Tolls are not reimbursed for optional, non-reimbursable express lanes (like the I-66 or I-95 Express Lanes in Virginia).

Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin)

While Texas has a few different toll agencies (TxTag, NTTA TollTag in DFW, and HCTRA EZ TAG in Houston), they all work on each other's roads. The simplest choice that guarantees statewide coverage is the TxTag.

How to sign up for the TxTag:

  1. Go to Texas Department of Transportation - How Tags Work.

  2. Click Request a Tag Online.

  3. Provide your information. You'll need your vehicle and license plate information, driver's license, and a credit/debit card.

  4. Set up your account with autopay. When you create your account, you will add an initial balance (usually $20). You will be prompted to link a payment method for autopay. It is highly recommended that you do this. When your balance falls below $10, it will automatically reload $20, so you never run out of funds.

  5. Install your sticker. You'll receive a sticker in the mail. Follow the instructions to apply it to your windshield. A single TxTag will work on all toll roads in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and anywhere else in Texas.

Reminder: Our policy covers reimbursement for using toll roads when the ride indicates that it is eligible for reimbursement. We do not reimburse for using optional, managed express lanes that run alongside free lanes.

Washington (Seattle Area)

The Good To Go! Pass is the standard for all of Washington and will get you the lowest rates on toll roads like the SR-520 bridge and the Tacoma Narrows bridge.

How to sign up for a Good To Go! Pass:

  1. Go to mygoodtogo.com.

  2. Click Sign Up For A New Account. 

  3. Choose your pass. You can choose a sticker pass (which is free) or other types of passes. The sticker is the most common choice.

  4. Provide your information.You will need your vehicle’s license plate number, make, model, and year. You will also need a credit or debit card. 

  5. Set up your account balance & autopay. You'll need to add an initial amount to your account (e.g., $30). During this step, make sure to select the Auto Pay option. This will automatically refill your account from your credit card whenever your balance gets low.

  6. Install your pass. When you receive your sticker pass in the mail, follow the instructions to place it on the inside of your windshield near the rearview mirror.

Reminder: HopSkipDrive reimburses CareDrivers for toll roads and bridges when the ride indicates that it is eligible for reimbursement. Optional express lanes on I-405 or SR 167 are not reimbursable.

Terms and Conditions: It is the CareDriver’s responsibility to create and maintain an account in good standing with their local toll service provider. HopSkipDrive does not assume any responsibility in the event a CareDriver neglects to maintain their account in good standing.

Learn more