Oklahoma turnpikes begin conversion to cashless tolling

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority unanimously approved new toll rates for customers, in addition to converting the turnpike system to cashless tolling for all drivers.

OTA will begin the conversion away from cash on the John Kilpatrick Turnpike on July 25. All remaining turnpikes will be converted to cashless tolling, known as PlatePay, over the next four years.

“We recognize the fact that our customers want a safe, fast and efficient way to travel our system,” Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation and OTA Executive Director Tim Gatz said. “Converting to cashless tolling will relieve motorists who struggle to find cash to put in the coin machines. In addition, this will cut down on the number of accidents at toll plazas.”

Toll booths and coin machines will be disappearing.

Drivers who do not have a Pikepass account will no longer be required to stop to pay a toll. PlatePay will take a picture of their license plate and send an invoice to the vehicle’s registered owner.

OTA is currently using PlatePay on one ramp in Jenks on the Creek Turnpike at the Peoria/Elm interchange.

However, the PlatePay rate is much more than the Pikepass rate.

“We always encourage those who will be traveling the turnpike system that the cheapest way to travel is with a Pikepass account,” Gatz continued. “Pikepass account holders can receive up to a 20% discount for travel on the turnpike system.”

The following are benefits to having a Pikepass account:

• Lowest toll rates while traveling the Turnpike system – Pikepass customers receive nearly 20 percent discount on tolls across the turnpike system and a volume discount program
• PlatePay customers will pay an average of 75 percent more than the current cash rates
• Interoperability – you can travel on all Texas toll roads and the Kansas Turnpike system using your Pikepass account
• Easy online account access
• No added fees

For more information or to open a Pikepass account, visit www.PIKEPASS.com, www.PlatePay.com, or www.drivingforwardok.com.