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NSW RTA/RMS - Free Second and Third E-Toll Tags (Waiving of $40 Deposit Fee)

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NSW RTA/RMS - Free Second and Third E-Toll Tags (Waiving of $40 Deposit Fee)
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heyrosered on 03/03/2013 - 11:53 rta.nsw.gov.au (2447 clicks)

Roads and Maritime Services is currently waiving the usual $40 deposit fee on a second and third tag before 'no tag' fees are introduced from 1 June 2013.

From 1 June a 'no tag fee', also known as a vehicle matching fee, of 55 cents will be introduced when people travel on the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Tunnel without a valid tag to cover costs of matching a photo of your number plates to your account.

To get you ready for the change, we will waive the $40 deposit fee on a second and third tag to give you one less thing to worry about when travelling in a different vehicle.

Most toll road operators across Australia already charge similar vehicle matching or 'no tag' fees and from 1 June we will bring the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel in line with other toll road providers. As of 1 June, 'no tag' fees on all toll roads may be passed on to our customers.

Free tags with RMS are available by calling E-Toll or going into a Motor Registry, however, there is no rush as the new fees do not start until 1 June.

RMS customers will receive detailed information about how to get their new free tags in April.

RMS is currently updating our online application. Please call 13 18 65 or visit your local Motor Registry to get your second or third free E-Toll tag.

To find out more please call us on 13 18 65, visit your local Motor Registry or go to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Automotive E-Tag E-Toll RTA

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Roads and Maritime Services
Roads and Maritime Services
NSW Government
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closed Comments

  • stewy on 03/03/2013 - 12:45
    +5

    Good deal but seriously in 2013 why do we even need eTags??? THey already have the camera recognition capability, the only thing it serves not to ditch eTags is that it's protecting their revenue stream through these rip-off "video matching fees"…

    Be also curious to know if they are going to exempt motorcycles from these fees…

    • retiredfeline on 03/03/2013 - 12:53
      +3

      Camera recognition isn't the precise technology you imagine it is, especially on moving vehicles as compared to a fairly static vehicle in a car park entrance. Operators would have to resolve mismatches by looking at the make of the vehicle, etc. Can you imagine the furore innocents would generate with even a 0.1% error rate? Do you want to be one of those innocents?

      That said, I think the matching fee is a punitive way to get people to install tags. Unfortunately I can't think of any positive ways.

      Australia, it's a f(r)ee country. (Still grumpy after having to buy a (now dormant) Myki just for visiting Melbourne.)

      • kolorijo on 03/03/2013 - 12:56

        in singapore you can refund the card and get your money that you paid for the card back, went to melbourne dec last year and now i have a myki card that i would probably never going to use again until minimum 2 years from now.

        • retiredfeline on 03/03/2013 - 12:58

          Ditto for HK's Octopus card. And that's useful not just for HK transport.

        • tomclancy on 03/03/2013 - 20:47

          You can return myki cards and get a refund. There is a form on the vic transport website. Can't remember where but I just went to Melbourne and found this.

          It's a hassle to post the form away, but I think it's better to have cash innyour pocket than having a myki lying around

        • retiredfeline on 03/03/2013 - 20:51
          +3

          No you can't. You can only get the amount on it refunded. The piece of plastic is not refundable. This is what it says on the website and I got it confirmed from Myki.

          Of course being an OzBargainer, I left nearly no value on the card by the time we left. What irks me is that I had to buy a second card for my companion. One card for myself sitting in my drawer I wouldn't mind so much. But think of all those overseas tourists paying $6 into Vic coffers for a card they'll never use again. Somehow I think the Vic govt. isn't sad about this.

      • odysseus on 03/03/2013 - 13:38
        +3

        "Unfortunately I can't think of any positive ways."

        Over a decade back, before tags were here, they were introduced in parts of Norway. People with tags got a slight concessionary rate on tolls which makes sense given the reduction in labour.

        Of course, not something they think of here with the focus on the 'stick' approach to things.

      • dealman on 03/03/2013 - 15:34

        Can you imagine the furore innocents would generate with even a 0.1% error rate? Do you want to be one of those innocents?

        It's not as if having etags fixes the problem ;-) Atleast not for the world's most pathetic toll road operator Citylink !

        http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/vic/watch/07d62bdb-6e0d-3938-…

    • kolorijo on 03/03/2013 - 12:54
      +4

      my friend got charged $6 when they used camera recognition and his car was parked at home at that time and also has an E-tag. he is still trying to get them to waive the charge.

    • retiredfeline on 03/03/2013 - 13:03
      +1

      The other reason is I suspect a legal one. By obtaining a tag, you are entering into an agreement with the toll operator(s). If they abolish tags and use camera recognition, then they have to treat it as an unauthorised use or something like that and offer an amnesty for paying up or it becomes a traffic offense. It then becomes legally dubious if they could go accusing 0.1% of the people who have done nothing unauthorised.

    • WazzaP on 03/03/2013 - 15:52
      +1

      Completely agree, my RTA e-tag hasn't been working for ages, yet they have never had any issues with matching my number plate to my account.

      I also question why they can charge a video matching fee when it's their equipment (the tag) that is faulty? Surely they should give you a reasonable chance to get it fixed before charging you.

      • greenie4242 on 03/03/2013 - 17:47

        The website says to contact them as soon as possible if your tag stops beeping, so it can be replaced. I suspect they would waive the 'no tag' fee if they are notified of the fault, but it's not specifically mentioned, so who knows?

        • WazzaP on 03/03/2013 - 23:03
          +1

          Problem is the only way to get a tag replaced is to take it to an RTA office, doing it through the mail they want you to send in your tag and wait 10+ days for them to send back another one - during this time you can't use any tollways that don't take cash (the only one I use is cashless).

          It's actually much easier for me to get a different tag (such as the breeze) and cancel my RTA tag, as this can all be done via the post.

        • RockyRaccoon on 04/03/2013 - 06:51

          Wazza you also confuse me.

          1 You say they can match your tag to your car via video matching

          So are you being charged a fee? for this "service", you imply its not being charged,

          1. If thats the case, I dont understand the issue with you having to post it back (apart from the OzB cost of postage you have to pay). If its not working - ie its not being recognised, then how would it know whether or not its in your car or the post, when you travel on the toll road.

          Wouldnt the plate recognition just keep working like it does now?

          Then when it comes back everything works normally?

        • WazzaP on 04/03/2013 - 18:41

          At the moment there is no fee charged for video matching, they're adding this fee soon. I don't care about the postage cost, but from what the bird at the RTA call centre told me, when I send my tag back it will be cancelled (a new one is issued rather than your current one being fixed), and any tolls I go through with a cancelled tag will be treated as if I don't have a tag - ie they will send out an unpaid toll notice with a $10 admin fee per toll notice - the 10 days is just her estimate of how long it will take from them cancelling my tag to me getting a new tag - considering I do 2 trips a day on a toll road, I'm risking $200 worth of admin fees to send my tag back for replacement.

        • uaapd on 09/03/2013 - 07:19

          If you have to send away your etag, you can purchase an EMU pass to cover you for up to a month. This will avoid the $10 admin fee per trip. I live outside Sydney and register for this if I go to Sydney and will be using a toll road. You can register up to 2 days after using the road, but best to do it before you go, in case you forget. https://myrta.com/eep/readRegisterTerms.do

  • honkyb on 03/03/2013 - 13:02

    if your e-tag does not beep when you drive through the tunnel or bridge there gonna chanrge you a fee starting sometime soon i was reading somewhere.

    • greenie4242 on 03/03/2013 - 17:06

      Alas, you are correct:

      http://www.myrta.com/wps/portal/extvp/myrta/etoll/toll-road-…

      From the website:
      "From 1 June 2013, we are moving into line with other toll road operators in NSW and will pass on two types of toll road operator fees to you if your E-Toll Tag fails to be detected when using a toll road. The fees* are the 'No Tag' Fee and the Toll Notice Transfer Fee."

      Then there's this bit:
      "Why are you charging this fee?
      Most toll road operators across Australia already charge similar vehicle matching or 'No Tag' fees and from 1 June we will bring the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel in line with other toll road providers. As of 1 June, 'No Tag' fees on all toll roads may be passed on to our customers.""

      I thought charging the same feels as everybody else, just because everybody else was doing it, was called collusion. But I doubt the ACCC will notice, they don't seem to do much these days.

    • dannyboi on 03/03/2013 - 18:51

      $0.55 isn't too bad as an admin cost. Although it could add up with repeated use of the same road over the course of 3 months until your next invoice.

      Assuming your tag has been working properly and incorrectly positioned, I would think the only time it wouldn't work is when the battery has run out after extended non-use.

      • retiredfeline on 03/03/2013 - 19:07

        I don't think the use or non-use affects the battery running out. If anything more use would drain the battery faster. As far as I can tell they have a long-life non-rechargeable battery inside, and radio waves are too weak to provide charging. There are always duds units and batteries dying so they have procedures for dealing with that. I had to have my unit replaced when it didn't beep and I didn't get charged extra for that.

  • SBOB on 03/03/2013 - 13:15
    +4

    breeze tags don't have a deposit fee and Ive never been charged a 'matching' fee on any toll road using it (when its not in the car or doesn't beep)

    • izzeho on 03/03/2013 - 13:31

      Yep. Regardless where in Aus you are breeze tags are definitely the best choice. Shame they don't seem to offer the bonus sign up any more.

    • KBZ on 03/03/2013 - 14:10

      Yep and I find that Breeze tags charge 30c less than the listed toll fees. So thats a positive.

  • chuneeperformance on 03/03/2013 - 13:52

    great news!

  • Givemethemoney on 03/03/2013 - 14:26

    Sounds like a rort, I remember a few years ago when I have had numberplate matching the entire time, but had someone else's tag unfortunately in the car (put the wrong tag in the vehicle after moving) and they toll operators sent me bills rather than data matching to my tag. Wonder whether I could get it sorted out, as the RTA blamed the bank and the bank had sufficient funds.

  • brent3000 on 03/03/2013 - 14:43

    Thanks op :)

  • georgedn on 03/03/2013 - 14:44

    sounds good.. i need one for my scooter and saves me the trouble of having to remember to take it from my car and vice versa if i want to go over the bridge

  • paul_5666 on 03/03/2013 - 14:53

    How do these electronic tolling companies make money? Do they get a commission from tolls?

    • retiredfeline on 03/03/2013 - 15:17

      I think they get a fee from the tollway owners.

  • WazzaP on 03/03/2013 - 14:55
    +11

    One thing to watch out for with this offer - you might not have to pay for the extra tags, but note that both your minimum account balance and top up amount are multiplied by the number of tags you have! So if you have 2 tags the RTA will top up your account any time you dip under $40 ($20 minimum per tag) and will top up double the amount you originally requested. Pretty stupid considering the idea behind the free 2nd/3rd tag is so you can put them in less frequently used cars (the top up pages still list this, and there's nothing in the FAQ about this being changed with this deal, so I'd assume they're leaving it as it currently is).

    • twig on 03/03/2013 - 16:16

      Thanks for mentioning that, I was almost about to get an extra one.

    • nfr on 03/03/2013 - 22:56

      Thanks, exactly what I was looking for.

  • dealman on 03/03/2013 - 15:35
    +1

    People I moved from Citylink to Breeze - With Eastlink ,

    http://www.eastlink.com.au/default.aspx

    Much better service, less deposit, and best of all Guaranteed <4 min wait time, as compared to Citylink >12 mins.

  • harrribo on 03/03/2013 - 15:48
    +5

    " to cover costs of matching a photo "

    What a load of crap

    It's just another way of milking us for fees

    • PresidentClinton on 03/03/2013 - 17:42
      +1

      They do it because they know we will take it - hard, fast and dry.

  • retiredfeline on 03/03/2013 - 16:04

    Talking to an IT manger the other day and he mentioned how as things get more automated paradoxically dissatisfaction rises. I know the feeling, I have them too. Maybe it's the feeling that we don't have control over the technology.

  • greenie4242 on 03/03/2013 - 16:17
    +5

    This is definitely NOT a deal. Even though I live in Sydney, I've been using GoVia for years, a Queensland based tag:

    http://www.govia.com.au/

    $25 pre-paid deposit, NO tag deposit costs. From memory the minimum recharge value is $10. You can order as many tags as you want, unlike the RTA/RMS limit of 3 tags per account. One pre-paid deposit covers ALL tags unlike the RMS tags that require you to have a minimum deposit of $40 for EACH tag, plus a minimum top-up of $20 for EACH tag.

    RTA/RMS can only supply up to three tags per account (unlike GoVia which doesn't have a limit.) The RTA tag also keeps a 'refundable' tag deposit fee for the first tag (usually also for tags 2 and 3) - which is ridiculous as you can't return the tags if you're using them - so effectively they are just gaining interest for themselves using your money. GoVia only charge if you lose or don't return a tag when closing the account.

    • greenie4242 on 03/03/2013 - 16:20

      I should add - the $25 pre-paid deposit can actually be used to pay tolls! I have my account set to automatically recharge when it drops below $5. I have three tags.

      Not sure why anybody would deliberately want to get an RTA tag when there's the $40 minimum account balance per tag, minimuim $20 top-up, limit of three tags etc etc…

      • RockyRaccoon on 03/03/2013 - 16:26

        Am I missing something, but this has NO deposit, ie no $40 fee that you are complaining about.

        Plus with the go Via tag, you do not qualify for any of the rebates that are on some roads.

        I have a GoVia card myself and I'm in NSW

        So for those who already have 1 RTA tag, this could make sense

        • greenie4242 on 03/03/2013 - 16:55

          Thanks for pointing out, looks like you're right about not being able to claim those rebates through GoVia, so it's definitely something to consider.

          RMS E-Toll tags still require you to pay for the first tag, and require a minimum account balance of $20 per tag and minimum top-up of $20 for each tag, so for most people who don't require or qualify for toll road rebates, GoVia or other choices will still be much cheaper.

  • greenie4242 on 03/03/2013 - 16:41
    +2

    RMS tags usually require a $40 'security deposit' for each tag. So with three tags, you need to pay them $120, which you only get back when you return the tags. This 'deal' means you only have to pay $40 for the first tag, but not the second and third tag. $40 for 3 tags is still much more than $25 for unlimited tags, which is what GoVia charge.

    RMS tags also require a $20 minimum account fee PER TAG and a $20 minimum top-up fee PER TAG - which is much more than the cost of the GoVia start-up deposit. Also GoVia don't have a minimum balance, but suggested $10 just to cover a larger toll. That's double-no-deal for me.

    EDIT RR was good enough to point out that to claim back tolls on some motorways such as the M5, you cannot use an interstate e-tag. If you require rebates for certain roads often, make sure you check the cashback details for that tollroad and scheme. I tried to reply above but clicked the wrong reply button by mistake.

    • tomclancy on 03/03/2013 - 20:56
      +1

      The M5 cash back is a big deal for me. So I think I'll be sticking with the RTA tags, therefore I think this is a deal because its something for free which previously had a cost

      • greenie4242 on 03/03/2013 - 22:15

        It's good that you can benefit from this offer, but the majority of people in NSW don't use the M5 regularly, so would be better off using tags that don't make them pre-pay $40 for something they might use once a week (that only costs $3 anyway!)

        Typical government also - calling it 'cashback' when "Rebates are paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)" but can't be paid in… cash.

        You should still check out other options. The RMS website lists four different e-tag companies who comply with the rebate regulations, there may be more. Last time I checked the RMS one was the most expensive one available in NSW but things may have changed since then:

        E-Toll Tag (NSW Roads and Maritime Services)
E-way Tag (Interlink Roads)
Roam e-TAG (Roam Tolling)
Roam Express Tag (Roam Express)

        http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/usingroads/motorwaysandtolling/m4m…

  • hkspaceship on 03/03/2013 - 21:29

    i applied my 2nd and 3rd Etag with $30 extra on each etag before…total i got $60 from RTA
    cos they were changing the system from cash to all etag toll, maybe 5-6yrs ago…
    so, i will said this is not a deal!!

  • greenie4242 on 03/03/2013 - 22:18
    +4

    If companies like eBay and PayPal can process a $1.05 transaction for something I bought from China at 3am, why can't the RMS? I don't have to keep my PayPal balance above $20 and don't get charged another $20 when the balance drops below $20. I certainly don't have to pay $40 for the privelege of opening a PayPal account, which is then refunded when the account is closed.

  • Turd on 04/03/2013 - 14:00

    If you have a bike and constantly use the Bridge/Tunnel you can apply for a e-rider. It's $90 a qtr unlimited crossings/tolls.

    No need for a tag or such things like that.

    https://myrta.com/myEToll/readApplyRiderTerms.do

  • thommo181 on 04/03/2013 - 14:25

    Just had E-Way Tag replenish my account from my credit card and it's $100. You're all complaining about $40. Yikes. Pity me :) $100. Just rang them. If I link the top up to a credit card it's $100. A bank account it's only $40. I pointed out that it's guaranteed funds with a cc, not so a bank, and should be the other way around. Talking logic to these peoole is a waste of my breath/energy. No free extra cards from them in their future either, I was told.

    • WazzaP on 04/03/2013 - 18:43

      Thing is the $100 replenished from your account is to pay for tolls, whereas the $40 tag fee is a deposit for the tag, it can't be used to pay for tolls.

  • juzz0 on 05/03/2013 - 03:09

    I don't understand all the vagaries around this. Some people are being charged 0.55 cent admin fees looking at the comments above. Mine have been $1.25 for the past few years (which adds up to fifty - eighty dollars more than the fees a 0.55 guy would be charged) plus the unavoidable auto-fill of $10 when it gets to between $20-25. Am I getting a raw deal? I live in NSW and only use my tag rarely. About every once or twice every couple of weeks.

    • SBOB on 05/03/2013 - 07:08

      yes you are…
      get a tag from breeze and save yourself some $

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