BestPass' Transponder Protection Service protects leased transponders from excessive physical and cosmetic damage, saving customers from paying damage fees charged by state toll agencies.

The two-part service includes a custom form-fitted plastic transponder case, as well as transponder remediation and cleaning performed their staff when the device is returned to BestPass.

Transponders used by BestPass customers for toll payment and weigh-station bypass are leased from the New York State Thruway Authority, which will assess a damage fee if a returned transponder has physical or cosmetic damage beyond normal wear and tear. BestPass' Transponder Protection Service can be effective in preventing these fees.

"We recently had a customer return 150 transponders, of which more than half appeared to be damaged," said Robin Meszaros, manager of Customer Support and Billing Operations. "Our Transponder Protection Service could have saved that customer those fees -- which have the potential to reach $3,000.

"Transponder damage includes ink marks, adhesive residue, cracks, and more. Basically anything that might cause the Thruway Authority to have to recondition the device before using it with another customer," said Ms. Meszaros.

The Transponder Protection Service that BESTPASS is offering works in two parts. First, a two-part clear plastic case snaps around the outside of the transponder to proactively protect it from harm. The case also provides the added benefit of allowing customers to label the devices on top of the case, or use their preferred adhesive on the case to mount the transponder without worrying about incurring transponder damage fees. The second part of their protection service, transponder remediation and cleaning, attempts to retroactively protect against damage fees by thoroughly cleaning each transponder before returning it to the New York State Thruway Authority.

While the assessment of damaged transponder fees is solely the decision of the New York State Thruway Authority, BESTPASS believes their new Transponder Protection Service should be very effective at mitigating potential fees and will prove to be an excellent value for their customers.

More details about the service can be found on the BestPass website.