If you live in Central Florida, chances are you have had to choose between getting a SunPass or an E-PASS.

In fact, Sean from Orlando asks...

"Is there a difference at all between a SunPass and an E-PASS?  Or are they essentially the same thing?"

This past Friday, we talked to Debbie Denholm at the E-Pass service center in East Orange County. She has called Central Florida her home for 64 years. Friday was the day she decided it was finally time to break down and get her first toll transponder.

"For the very first time," said Denholm.

She decided to get one because she found herself going through the toll plazas more than she ever had.

"We had to go back and forth to Clermont for the last three weeks. A family member was sick."

Debbie had a decision to make: SunPass or E-PASS? Are there any benefits to having one or the other?  If you don't know, you are certainly not alone.

"I thought they were the same," she said.

The SunPass and E-PASS are essentially interchangeable where you can use them. They can be used on toll roads in Florida, North Carolina and Georgia.

Let's compare pricing. Let’s say you have a 2-axel vehicle, travelling along State Road 408 Westbound twice a day through the Conway Toll Plaza. It's $1.09 each way if you have a SunPass or an E-PASS. With cash, it's $1.25.  

However, if you have an E-PASS you are automatically signed up for their customer loyalty program. That means the more you use a Central Florida Expressway (CFX) road with an E-PASS, the more money you could be saving.  That could be as high as an extra 10 percent, depending on how often you travel.

So, if you live in or travel to Orange County a lot where CFX is based out of, you are better off getting an E-PASS.  If not, probably SUNPASS is for you.  

Both SunPass and E-PASS are trying to differentiate themselves from the other. Take for example E-Pass’ latest customization opportunity involving showing your school pride by getting the logo of the UCF Knights, the Florida Gators or the Florida State Seminoles.

But the differences do not end there.

Do you know where your money goes?  If you have an E-PASS and travel through a main CFX toll road like State Road 408 your money only goes to those CFX controlled areas.  If you have a SunPass it could anywhere across the state where the Turnpike Authority operates.

As for Deholm, her best interests were to get an E-PASS.

"I was just happy to make it easier for me driving and get around town to get around Central Florida," said Deholm.

Thanks for your question Sean!  

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