Tourists renting cars at Orlando airport can now get loaner toll road transponders

There’s now a simpler and cheaper way for tourists renting cars at Orlando International Aiport to pay for those pesky toll roads.

Instead of paying the fees rental car agencies are asking, or digging into your pocket for change and small bills, the Central Florida Expressway Authority is starting to loan out transponders at the airport as part of a pilot program.

Select visitors renting cars upon arrival at the Orlando International Airport can participate in this pilot program from May 1 to Aug. 1, 2019, the agency said on its Visitor Toll Pass site.

You still have to pay the tolls but the agency touts that the new Visitor Toll Pass program will save you as much as 80% compared with rental car toll programs, plus an additional 23% on tolls by paying the electronic toll rate. Visitors will be eligible for exclusive toll discounts on Central Florida Expressway-owned toll roads.

Florida’s labyrinth of toll roads can be confusing. These transponders will work everywhere you see E-PASS, SunPass or LeeWay signs throughout the state. You can travel in any lane through a tolling point including all electronic and express lanes, according to the agency.

The transponder is a hang tag that you instal on the arm of the rearview mirror. Don’t forget to decline to participate in the car rental program.

To do this, you need to first make a reservation online at Visitor Toll Pass. Once you are able to secure a reservation you can pick up the pass at the Visitor Toll Pass counter. The counter is located on Level 1, Terminal A or B, where the rental car counters are located. The counter is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Your credit card is charged for the tolls.

The transponder is free as long as you return it. If you don’t there will be an additional $10 charge.