DELAWARE WATER GAP, Pa. — When drivers travel Interstate 80 through Delaware Water Gap they have a few options of how they'd like to pay the toll.
"Cash, usually cash, 95% of the time, cash," said Gregory Cooper of Bushkill.
"I do have an E-Z pass, been using it for the last couple of years. I can see a big difference from having it to not having it," explained Manny Ramirez of New Jersey.
But in the new year, changes are coming for drivers who pay with cash. The Delaware River Joint Toll Commission announced this toll section is one of several high-traffic bridges that will be going cashless. The EZ pass toll rate is $1.50 compared to the toll-by-plate rate of $3
Drivers in the Poconos say having two options isn't so bad.
"I think it is a great idea, in my opinion, the fact that you have a smoother transition, less congestion," said Ramirez.
"I will definitely have to get an E-Z Pass I'll have to register and got through the process of getting that so I'll have an E-Z pass before you know it," said Cooper.
Officials say January 12th will be the last day toll collectors will be in the booth to take cash. Drivers tell Newswatch 16 it was only a matter of time.
"This is not a surprise. It is really not. It is more of a convince," said Ramirez.
"We are being forced to get it, but in the end, it is probably a good thing. Everybody has to get it and keeps traffic moving faster. That's what it's for, so I will be part of that system, which there is nothing wrong with it, I guess," said Cooper,
The cashless toll payments will begin on January 13th.
Other cashless bridges include Trenton-Morrisville (Route 1), I-78, and Easton-Phillipsburg (Route 22).