MDOT BWB to remain cashless indefinitely

Fast facts:

• The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Blue Water Bridge (BWB) will remain cashless at tolling operations moving forward.
• The eastbound BWB tolling operation has not accepted cash since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
• Moving permanently to a cashless operation will improve efficiency and support partial automation for tolling operations.

PORT HURON, Mich. ­– The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announces it will remain cashless at the eastbound Blue Water Bridge (BWB) plaza. This announcement makes the decision permanent to remain a cashless tolling operation.

In March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, BWB stopped accepting cash to minimize exposure to the bridge service representatives and supervisors in tolling operations. Cashless operations have remained successful, and BWB currently accepts the following methods of payment:

• Single crossing payment at the toll booth with a credit/debit card or Apple/Google Pay.
• Pre-paid commercial or commuter accounts available through our EDGE pass program, using RFID tags.

While the BWB has not accepted cash at its eastbound tolling facility since March 2020, bridge leadership are choosing to adopt this decision permanently as the cashless environment has benefited tolling operations. Staff have reported a reduction in congestion and emissions, and increased efficiency. This change will support partial automation for tolling operations. This decision also aligns the MDOT BWB with more than 55 percent of tolling operations nationwide who do not accept cash.

Additionally, beginning Jan. 1, MDOT BWB will stop accepting checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks, which previously were collected to allow U.S. and foreign account holders the ability to add funds to their pre-paid accounts. The recent addition of new tolling software eliminates that need and allows account holders to place a credit or debit card on file and supports auto re-bill to help them more seamlessly manage their account.

Commercial and commuter customers can find the most ease of account management, by enrolling in the EDGE Pass program. Commuter customers receive a discounted toll rate for non-commercial vehicles with no more than two axles. The EDGE Pass also offers commuter customers a dedicated toll lane. Both commercial and commuter account holders have 24-hour access to manage accounts online through a secure web portal. Questions regarding the EDGE Pass can be sent to MDOT-BWB-CustomerCare@Michigan.gov. Customers can apply by visiting www.BlueWaterBridge.us/.