EZ-Pass lanes open on Newport Bridge

NEWPORT, RI (WPRI) - Tokens are becoming a thing of the past.

This morning, signs were uncovered, and one designated EZ Pass lane in each direction was opened on the Pell Bridge that connects Newport with Jamestown.

Drivers with transponders are now able to pass through the lanes without stopping.

Rhode Island residents who have transponders only pay 83 cents to cross the bridge. Non-residents will be charged $1.75. The toll is deducted automatically from drivers' debit accounts.

Drivers can still use tokens, and pay with cash. But officials hope to convert those lanes to EZ Pass lanes by the end of the year.