Bridges/Fastrack

[R2]

I was wondering what you all do about crossing bridges on your bike. My understanding is that motorcycles can cross bridges in the bay area for free if its during carpool hours. Right? Then I started wondering if I can just throw the fastrack transmitter thing in my jacket pocket. I'm not sure if the sensor will pick it up through the pocket, and I don't need to risk wasting money on a ticket when there are mods to be done. Or perhaps I can register my bike to the account so I don't need to worry about it. I suppose I could always just wait in line (or cut in front) for the toll booth and have three dollars ready in a pocket to hand over. What do you all do?

[Vindingo]

If you set up an account with you bikes tag number, you dont have* to carry it on you.  If you just go through fast track it will pick up your #. 

On the Bay Bridge you have to go in the designated carpool lane or you will be charged during rush hour in regular fasttrack.  On the GGB you have to go through a toll with a person and they will wave you by.  Like the BB you will be charged if you use a fast track lane during rush hour.

All other non free hours I just blow through the toll and they just charge the account.     

[Salamanga7]

My plates are registered with my Fastrak brick so I rarely carry my fastrak
You are required to carry your Fastrak but as long as your plate is visible for the rear facing toll camera...you should not get any grief from 50.
I rarely travel during commuter hours so..no idea about the first part.

[r_ciao]

three dollars

Last I checked, it was $4, except for the GGB.

So are you guys saying that as long as my plates are registered to my Fastrack tag, I don't even need to hold/display the tag to debit instantly?  Are there any additional fees/penalties for doing so?  If that's the case, then I only need one Fastrack for any number of vehicles that are registered.  Does this still work if I don't go through a Fastrack lane?

[MendoDave]

I usually try and carry the fastrack with me. If I have a Tank bag I put it on top. If its a backpack or shoulder Bag I use one of those cell phone carry things that attach to the strap. It is true that they will get your plate if you blow thu, but I just like to have the thing work like its supposed to, so that there is less Human intervention involved.

[R2]

Thanks for your responses. I think I'll register my bike rather than just carry the transponder.
Or maybe i should get this http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/915415891.html and just zoom past in the fastrack lane. Just kidding.

Last I checked, it was $4, except for the GGB.

That's right, they voted in a $1 toll raise like a year or two ago. Its been several years since I actually stopped at the toll booth.

So are you guys saying that as long as my plates are registered to my Fastrack tag, I don't even need to hold/display the tag to debit instantly?  Are there any additional fees/penalties for doing so?

I've noticed several times going through fastrack lanes that my transponder didn't beep and the screen to the side didn't say paid or whatever it normally says. I've never gotten a ticket, but I've also never checked to see if there was a fee on the fastrack bill.

Does this still work if I don't go through a Fastrack lane?

When I had a hybrid they gave me a special transponder that would register in the carpool lane; I could use the carpool lane, but I still had to pay the toll. They also gave me a static bag to put it in if i actually had a carpool so it wouldn't charge me. So I would imagine that a regular transponder wouldn't work in a non Fastrack lane.

[TCK!]

From what I've read on BARF police can pull you over to see if you really have a transponder. Technically you are supposed to carry it I've read.

I kept mine in the tail section of the 748 and if you travel the posted speed, like 35, it registered for me.

[MendoDave]

From what I've read on BARF police can pull you over to see if you really have a transponder. Technically you are supposed to carry it I've read.

I kept mine in the tail section of the 748 and if you travel the posted speed, like 35, it registered for me.

And that is one of the reasons i try and use it. If i'm going to carry it anyway.........

[Michael Moore]

I never carry the damn thing - it doesn't work half the time, even if you have it in a tankbag with a clear top. I've got one transponder with the car, monster, R6 and Vespa all on the same account. The transponder sits in the car all the time.

BTW, the Richmond bridge is funky. If you go through during commute hours there are only a couple of lanes you can use to get through free, otherwise they charge you, even though there's a person standing there, just like the carpool lanes. Go figure.

[desmoquattro]

Thanks for your responses. I think I'll register my bike rather than just carry the transponder.
Or maybe i should get this http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/915415891.html and just zoom past in the fastrack lane. Just kidding.
That's right, they voted in a $1 toll raise like a year or two ago. Its been several years since I actually stopped at the toll booth.

...or you can just wheelie through the toll plaza and put your plate on the ground

[2 Wheel Wanderer]

I don't go over the bridges very much but my plate is registered and I carry my fastrack with me. I just put it in my pocket and when riding through I just take it out and hold it up, it always registers.

[somegirl]

I never carry the damn thing - it doesn't work half the time, even if you have it in a tankbag with a clear top. I've got one transponder with the car, monster, R6 and Vespa all on the same account. The transponder sits in the car all the time.

I do the same.

[sfarchie]

I use the Bay Bridge on days when I have to go between Oakland and Richmond. My return to SF is during commute hours, so I go to the far left lanes and it's free. NOTE: If you have your transponder on you, it may still beep even though you're going through during commute hours.