**** Via HHB

Time running out to swap MACPASS hard-shell for sticker

Drivers using the hard-shell MACPASS to cross Halifax Harbour bridges have just over 100 days left to switch their transponder for the more efficient sticker version.

Earlier this year, Halifax Harbour Bridges (HHB) announced it was phasing out the aging hard-shells transponders by December 31, 2024 as part of efforts to upgrade its tolling system to provide the best possible service.

“We’ve had thousands and thousands of people convert their transponders online and at pop-up events, but there are still thousands out there that need to be swapped,” said Communication Manager Steve Proctor.

HHB has been offering sticker passes exclusively for the past four years, so it is the long-time users who need to take note to the end-of-year deadline.

Completing the swap is as simple as navigating to mymacpass.com and requesting as many stickers as required. The sticker(s) will be mailed within three business days and the customer can then complete the swap transaction online in less than 10-minutes. The swap does not impact any other aspect of user’s account.

Offline options for getting stickers include visiting the MACPASS Customer Service Centre at 471 Princess Margaret Boulevard in Dartmouth or at community events like the Halifax Fall Home Show October 4-6 at the Halifax Exhibition Centre.

There will be more pop-up events through the fall at local shopping centres and larger employer parking areas in an effort to make the switch as easy as possible. Watch HHB social media for dates and times.

“Some people are reluctant to give up their hard-shell because they seem to work,” says Proctor. “Unfortunately they are reaching the end of their useful life. We’re doing the switch to the easy-to-install stickers now so people don’t end up at the tolls later with a transponder that won’t open the gate.”

HHB research over the past four years shows stickers provide a superior experience with fewer read errors at the toll booths. They are also compatible with future e-tolling options HHB is pursuing.

A MACPASS swap countdown clock is displayed on the main page of the HHB website to remind people of the deadline.

Before placing a new sticker in vehicles, users are reminded to activate new stickers and deactivate and remove their hard-shell transponders.

Deactivated hard-shells can be recycled by passing them to any bridge attendant, taking them to the MACPASS Service Centre, or dropping them off at special bins at Access Nova Scotia offices in the HRM.