E-ZPass grab and go

Here's a way to make your July 4 travels a bit more expeditious:

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will offer instant E-ZPass sign-ups Tuesday June 29 and Thursday July 1 at its Oakmont Service Plaza at Mile 49 eastbound, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Customers will leave with an E-ZPass transponder they can use immediately on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and in 13 surrounding states (go to www.e-zpass.net for more information). To enroll, a customer must provide a valid driver's license, license plate number and a major credit card.

It costs $38 per transponder to open a prepaid E-ZPass account. $3 will be assessed for the initial annual fee, with $35 available for tolls. Drivers can pay by credit or debit card and authorize automatic replenishment when the prepaid balance drops below $10. One transponder can be used in up to four vehicles and moved between vehicles.

If customers can't stop by the plaza, they can enroll through the turnpike's website at www.paturnpike.com, by calling toll-free 1-877-736-6727, by visiting any AAA office in the region, or by obtaining E-ZPass "GoPaks" at participating Giant Eagle and GetGo stores, and at vending machines located at various turnpike travel plazas. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's western regional office in New Stanton also offers instant signups Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.