Thinking about going green with your next vehicle? Your eco-friendly choice might save you more than just fuel costs. The E-ZPass Green Pass Discount Plan offers significant toll savings for eligible electric vehicle owners in New York and New Jersey. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to start saving at tolls while helping the environment.
What Is the E-ZPass Green Pass Discount Plan?
The E-ZPass Green Pass Discount Plan isn’t just one program but actually consists of two separate plans designed to reward drivers who choose environmentally-friendly vehicles:
- Port Authority Green Pass (PA GREEN): Covers bridges and tunnels operated by the Port Authority of NY & NJ
- New York Thruway Green Discount (NY GREEN): Applies to all NY State Thruway facilities
Both plans offer substantial savings for drivers of qualifying plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles, but they work differently and can’t always be combined with other discounts.
Who Qualifies for E-ZPass Green Pass Discounts?
Not all “green” vehicles qualify for these discount plans. As of February 2022, both plans have narrowed their eligibility requirements:
Eligible Vehicles
- Plug-In Electric Vehicles (PEVs): Vehicles that run entirely on electricity
- Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Vehicles that combine a gas engine with a battery that can be charged externally
If you enrolled before February 2022, your vehicle may be “grandfathered” in even if it doesn’t meet current requirements.
Vehicle Verification Process
Both plans use the NYSERDA Drive Clean Rebate Eligible Models webpage as their official reference for qualifying vehicles. Before you apply, check this resource to confirm your vehicle qualifies.
Sample of Eligible Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Example Models | All-Electric Range (miles) | Fuel Economy (MPGe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Electric | Acura ZDX | 304-313 | 87-90 |
| Plug-In Hybrid | Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV | 33 | 77 |
| Battery Electric | Chevrolet Bolt | 259 | 120 |
| Battery Electric | Ford F-150 Lightning | 230 | 68 |
| Plug-In Hybrid | BMW X5 xDrive50e | 38-39 | 58 |
Port Authority Green Pass Plan (PA GREEN) Explained
What It Covers
The PA GREEN plan applies to all Port Authority crossings, including:
- George Washington Bridge
- Lincoln Tunnel
- Holland Tunnel
- Bayonne Bridge
- Goethals Bridge
- Outerbridge Crossing
How Much You’ll Save
The PA GREEN offers specific fixed rates for eligible vehicles:
For Class 1 Vehicles (standard passenger cars):
- Peak hours: $16.06 per trip
- Off-peak hours: $10.56 per trip
This represents significant savings compared to the standard E-ZPass off-peak rate of $14.06 – you’ll save $3.50 per off-peak trip!
Requirements to Join
To qualify for PA GREEN, you must:
- Have an E-ZPass New York account in good standing
- Own a qualified PEV or PHEV (verify on the NYSERDA website)
- Submit proof of vehicle registration
- Use the special green E-ZPass tag exclusively on your qualified vehicle
New York Thruway Green Discount Plan (NY GREEN) Details
What It Covers
The NY GREEN plan applies to all facilities operated by the New York State Thruway Authority.
How Much You’ll Save
Unlike the Port Authority plan which offers fixed rates, the NY GREEN provides:
- 10% discount off standard E-ZPass rates at all NY Thruway facilities
Requirements to Join
To qualify for NY GREEN, you must:
- Have an E-ZPass account specifically with the New York State Thruway Authority
- Own a qualified PEV or PHEV (verify on the NYSERDA website)
- Submit proof of vehicle registration
- Use the special green E-ZPass tag exclusively on your qualified vehicle
Important Restriction
The NY GREEN plan cannot be combined with other Thruway commuter plans. If you’re a frequent Thruway user, you’ll need to decide which plan offers the better overall savings.
How to Set Up Your E-ZPass Account
Before applying for either Green Pass plan, you must first establish a standard E-ZPass account.
Creating an E-ZPass New York Account
You can set up your account through one of these methods:
- Online: Visit the official E-ZPass New York website to create your account
- Retail Purchase: Buy an E-ZPass On-the-Go Tag at authorized retailers (must be registered before use)
- Mail-In Application: Download the form from the E-ZPass website and mail it in
Initial Funding
You’ll typically need to prepay at least $25 to activate your account. This balance is used to cover your tolls as you pass through E-ZPass lanes.
How to Apply for Green Pass Discounts
Once you have your E-ZPass account set up, you can apply for the Green Pass discount that fits your needs.
For Port Authority Green Pass (PA GREEN)
- Verify your vehicle qualifies on the NYSERDA website
- Ensure you have an E-ZPass New York account
- Send a letter requesting enrollment along with a copy of your vehicle registration to: E-ZPass New York Customer Service Center
For NY Thruway Green Discount (NY GREEN)
- Verify your vehicle qualifies on the NYSERDA website
- Ensure you have an E-ZPass account with the New York State Thruway Authority
- Send a letter requesting enrollment along with a copy of your vehicle registration to: E-ZPass New York Customer Service Center, Customer Account Correspondence, P.O. Box 15187, Albany, NY 12212-5187
Maximizing Your Green Pass Savings
To get the most out of these discount plans, follow these strategic tips:
Analyze Your Travel Patterns
- Primarily use Port Authority crossings? The PA GREEN plan is your best bet.
- Mainly travel the NY Thruway? Consider the NY GREEN plan, but compare it with other available Thruway commuter plans first.
- Use both regularly? You might benefit from enrolling in both plans.
Do the Math for Thruway Commuters
Since NY GREEN can’t be combined with other Thruway commuter plans, calculate which offers better savings:
- 10% discount with NY GREEN
- Potential volume-based discounts from plans like the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Commuter Plan (requires 20 trips per month)
Follow the Tag Rules
The special green E-ZPass tag is vehicle-specific. Using it on any other vehicle can result in penalties and loss of your discount privileges.
E-ZPass Green Pass vs. Other Available Discounts
The E-ZPass system offers numerous discount plans beyond just the green initiatives. When evaluating your options, consider:
- Staten Island Bridges Plan: For frequent users of Staten Island crossings
- Port Authority Truck Volume Discount Plan: For commercial vehicles
- Thruway Commuter Plans: Volume-based discounts for frequent travelers
- Resident Discounts: Available for residents of specific areas
Review all available options to find the combination that maximizes your savings based on your specific travel patterns and eligible vehicles.
Why These Plans Matter Beyond Savings
The E-ZPass Green Pass Discount Plans do more than just save you money. They’re part of a broader strategy to:
- Encourage Electric Vehicle Adoption: By offering financial incentives to offset the higher purchase price of many electric vehicles
- Reduce Emissions: Supporting cleaner transportation options helps improve air quality
- Support State Environmental Goals: These programs align with New York’s clean energy and climate objectives
By participating in these programs, you’re not just saving money – you’re contributing to important environmental initiatives.
Getting Started with Your E-ZPass Green Pass
Ready to start saving? Here’s your quick action plan:
- Check vehicle eligibility on the NYSERDA website
- Establish your E-ZPass New York account if you don’t already have one
- Apply for the Green Pass plan that matches your travel needs
- Install your special green tag properly in the qualified vehicle
- Start saving on tolls while supporting environmental initiatives
With the right planning and the E-ZPass Green Pass Discount Plan, your eco-friendly vehicle choice can keep benefiting both your wallet and the environment long after you drive it off the lot.
