epay, a prepaid and payments processor in the U.S., has announced a partnership with Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE). The company says that now SunPass customers can now reload their accounts using cash at more than 2,000 epay locations statewide. Customers can also check their SunPass account balance. SunPass is Florida’s electronic prepaid toll program, and is accepted on all toll roads and nearly all bridges in the Sunshine State.

“Through our partnership with epay we have nearly tripled the number of SunPass cash replenishment locations from 1,161 to more than 3,100 locations statewide, including more than 450 locations in Miami-Dade,” said FTE Deputy Executive Director Jennifer Olson. “It is important that we provide as many places as we can for our customers to reload their SunPass accounts, especially as we get close to February, when we will implement all-electronic no cash tolling on the Turnpike Extension in Miami-Dade County.”

Reloading an existing SunPass account with epay is easy. Customers just give their SunPass transponder number to the cashier at any participating retailer, along with the amount of money they want to add to the SunPass account plus a $1.50 convenience fee per transaction. Customers then get back a receipt showing the amount added to the SunPass account. Checking SunPass account balances works the same way, except there is no convenience fee.

The new locations offering SunPass cash-reloading services include gas stations, convenience stores, check-cashing stores, wireless dealers, bodegas and more. The locations generally have on their door or window a green and yellow sign with the SunPass logo, clearly advertising to the customer the availability of the service. Customers can go to the SunPass website to find a reload location nearby. It is as simple as entering a ZIP code and choosing a preferred location. Customers can click on a location to view a map and get directions. Many new locations will be added in the near future, for added convenience.

FTE is working with its current vendors, including epay, to provide additional cash-based services to its SunPass customers in the coming months.

“epay is extremely pleased to be partnering with FTE to offer a simple payment method to SunPass cash customers through our innovative technology platform,” said Eric Mettemeyer, Managing Director of epay Americas/APAC. “When customers reload their SunPass account at an epay location, they also have access to other cash-based products, such as prepaid wireless top-ups, bill payments and Internet credits.”

In June 2010, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise became the first toll agency in the U.S. to provide its customers a program to replenish their transponders with cash at retail locations. FTE is a leader in transportation and continually strives to provide its customers value in the form of safety, service and convenience.

Source: Business Wire