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Melbourne is one of the major cities in Australia and is famous for having a warm, humid climate, low cost of living, and high quality of life. It is highly populated and has about five toll roads. The tolls in Melbourne are pretty expensive, but they will undoubtedly help you save a significant sum of money in the long run.
The process of paying for tolls is as easy as it gets. You must register your car's licence plate and keep a toll account. You can either pay the fees manually using cash or an electronic card which you can buy at the shops or on the Internet. If you have registered the car's licence plate, you will not need to stop at any barriers, and you will be able to pass through easily without paying anything.
Toll Payment Methods In Melbourne
Pay at a shop
This option allows you to access the same services as if you paid online or through the e-Tag system, but with added benefits. For example, you can pay your tolls using cash and receive change in return. This option is available at all retailers located near Melbourne toll booths.
Cashless payment
Many retailers in Melbourne accept cashless payments and offer an extra charge for every card transaction, which helps them make more money. However, it is free if you are making a cross into another part of Melbourne and not paying the tolls because of variable fees. This option is considered the quickest way because you can use it to pay your toll at a nearby shop.
Pay in person
The most common way to pay your tolls is by paying cash at a toll booth. This method only works for those with a pass, an e-Tag, or those using the Citylink app. This method has been slowly fading away for many Melbourne residents because it is inconvenient and hard to use when travelling with others who do not own an e-Tag or pass.
Tolls app
This new technology offers convenient and easy ways to pay your tolls in Melbourne by using an app on your phone. It has all the same choices as a toll booth and is mobile-friendly.
The only disadvantage is that it can take up to ten days to make a single payment, which is why you chose to read this article on the different ways to pay tolls in Melbourne. Apps such as toll calculator, bills and coins, and EasyLink are the most used apps in Melbourne.
Melbourne tolls discount card
This card is strictly for residents of Melbourne and provides discounts and perks only to them. You can use it to enter the toll roads without paying your fees, access domestic flights without going through airport security, and receive discounted parking at Citylink (paid by the metre).
Melbourne bridge card
This card is also strictly for residents of Melbourne and provides discounts on public transport as well as discounts on tolls. This card is not for use in other parts of Victoria or Australia. You can use it to enter the toll roads and pay at shops or restaurants.
e-Tag system
This system offers a way to purchase an e-Tag that allows you to use a wide range of services, including accessing both lanes of the Western Distributor without paying your toll twice.
You can use this system whenever you need to pay a toll because having two lanes means you can access both at once instead of paying two fees separately.
This allows you to use your e-Tag as a pass when you enter Melbourne ports and use the Eastern Distributor without paying twice. If you don't have an e-Tag, then this system will not be available to you.
Pass system
Similar to the e-Tag system, this system offers a way for users to purchase a pass that they can use during peak times or on special occasions. The benefit of this pass is that it will allow you to bypass the slow lane and go straight through the toll road without having to pay. This is the most expensive option, but it offers the most perks and benefits.
Components Of The Toll Invoice
Every invoice for a Melbourne toll road has several sections. They include:
Description of the invoice
This part of the invoice will include a statement about the toll road, the name of the toll operator, and other relevant information about your bill. The toll notice should also show if you have any discounts, whether it is an e-Tag pass or not, when you need to pay your bill, and other relevant information regarding this bill.
Bill start date
This section will show when your bill starts and how long it lasts. For example, a one-day pass typically expires at midnight only and can be used on any given day. If you require more time to pay your invoice before its end date, you can request an extension until the next payment start date.
The extension cost depends on the type of card you use to pay your bill and how many days you intend to use it.
Toll demand
This is the amount you will pay when you use the toll road, and it should match what you see on your toll invoice. All businesses in Melbourne accept electronic payments, which is why this part of the bill is only for cash or public transport cards.
Fee
This section will show the fees you must pay for using a toll road, including payment for using the toll road if your pass is not active. If you have several e-Tags or passes that are not used, this part should also show the amount of money you paid in taxes.
Toll loading
Toll loading is the amount of money that you will pay every time you use a toll road and should be close to the fee amount listed on your bill. The difference in this amount is shown when an extension period is requested or in case of additional fees.
Guide For Paying Your Tolls In Melbourne
Paying your tolls in Melbourne can be tricky, but by following these simple steps, you will find it as easy as possible:
Go to the website of your preferred toll road
To find this website, use Google search and replace "our website" with the name of your toll road. This makes it easier to work around the Internet and find your needed information.
The most popular tolls in Melbourne include Citylink, Eastlink, Westlink m7, Dingley Bypass, and Peninsula Link.
Find a map of each toll road in Melbourne
Click on the "Tolls" tab, and there are links to this section at the top of the page. The map will show you exactly how much money will be charged to you by each toll, where all of the tolls go, and if they are paid in cash or electronically.
Find out how to pay your toll
For example, if you only need to pay an e-Tag or pass, then there is a link that shows you all of these options. These options are much cheaper than paying in cash (or even buying an e-Tag), but it is best to check out what options are available for your convenience and satisfaction.
Purchase your pass or e-Tag
After you have found the best way to pay your toll, you need to purchase it. You can create a Linkt account on your smartphone or by submitting documentation, so it is essential to go through this procedure carefully because you want to ensure you are getting what you need.
For example, if none of the options are available for your vehicle combination, then they will not charge you, and they will not be permitted to give you your pass or e-Tag.
Use your pass or e-Tag
Once you have purchased the proper method, you can pay for your tolls. If you are using an e-Tag or pass, you will need to display it on your windshield so that they can read it when they scan it.
You will also choose whether to use a discount code if you are a first-time user of the toll road, so make sure you take advantage of these offers and discounts when available.
Convenient Toll Payment Melbourne
When it comes to paying your tolls in Melbourne, there are many options for you to choose from. The most popular choice is the online payment system because it offers convenience and the ability to pay at a nearby shop if needed.
The second most popular starting point would be the e-Tag system which requires some time investment but offers cashless payments and variable tolls based on traffic flow. These are factors to consider as a current car owner or if you plan to buy or sell a car soon, whether from a dealership or other car sellers.