When I went throught the Ted Williams Tunnel the other day, I had to pay $4, instead of the regular toll because the ZipCar was a "Commercial Vehicle." Is it??? Good thing I had an extra few bucks in the car or I would have ended up like Charlie on the MTA!

Smiles, Ri

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2004

Answers

I'm assuming that technically, yes, since Zipcars have commercial plates, they are legitimately charging us the higher toll. It's happened to me, too, btw--not all attendants realize, though; I'm about 50-50 on the Tobin Bridge for attendants observing the commerical plate

On the other hand, I'd take advantage of the commerical plate whenever it helps you-- there's a great commercial-only spot near both my apartment and my office, so if I'm running errands and have to go upstairs with something, I think it's an excellent place to leave the Zipcar (locked, etc., of course)--and free!

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2004

Unless you have a special commercial permit, your use of the commercial space is limited to 15 minutes, as I understand it, so watch your usage. Tickets written aganst Zipcars do end up charged on your Zipcar bill, since it is known who had the Zipcar when the ticket was issued.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2004

Obviously, I would pay any ticket if I got it, but different commercial zones do say different things, if you read the fine print--some are 15 minutes only, some are longer, as far as I can tell.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2004