About MACPASS

How does MACPASS work?

The MACPASS transponder is a small electronic device that attaches to the windshield of your vehicle and contains information that identifies your account. As you approach a toll lane on either the MacKay or Macdonald Bridges, an overhead antenna identifies your MACPASS transponder and deducts the toll.

You can use MACPASS in ALL lanes on the Macdonald and MacKay Bridges. For added convenience, there are “MACPASS Only” lanes on both bridges.

Watch our MACPASS installation video here.

The transponder works in most vehicles with standard windshields. Vehicles with heated windshields, windshields with chromium oxide for UV protection, or windshields with a built-in antenna can interfere with the MACPASS transponder working propery. In this case, please contact or visit the our MACPASS Customer Service Centre for advice on installation.

WHAT IF I GET A NEW VEHICLE AND HAVE A STICKER PASS?

If you have a sticker transponder, you must remove the old sticker from the vehicle and deactivate it. Contact MACPASS to receive a new sticker.

Please de-activate any stickers you no longer have online or by calling the Customer Service Centre.

Can I use my MACPASS transponder at other toll facilities?

You can use MACPASS at the Cobequid Pass and Confederation Bridge tolls by creating an account with them.

If you are applying for a MACPASS account and you already have an E-Pass or a STRAIT Pass, indicate your transponder serial number (located on the lower left hand corner of your transponder (i.e. CAHD ########) on your MACPASS application. If you have a commercial account with several transponders, you should attach a list of the transponder serial numbers to your MACPASS application.

To set up an account, call:
Cobequid Pass: 1-877-727-7104
Confederation Bridge: (902) 437-7300

Please note: You should not have more than one transponder in your vehicle.

Sometimes the toll gate does not lift. Why?

Most commonly, the toll gate does not lift when:

  • Users let their account balance reach zero
  • Users do not use the transponder correctly

If you allow your account balance to reach zero, you will get a stop signal in the lane when you attempt to use your MACPASS. If this happens you will need to make arrangements to make a payment or your account may be suspended and a $10.00 reactivation fee will be applied.

Please note: As your account balance nears zero, a low balance message will appear under the “GO” sign as you travel through the toll lane.

Other reasons why the toll gate may not lift are:

Speeding through the tolls: Motorcycle, moped and scooter drivers are encouraged to come to a complete stop and swipe their MACPASS in front of the MACPASS reader located above the coin basket in all cash lanes. All other vehicles must reduce speed to 25 km/h to ensure that the MACPASS transponder will work correctly. All vehicles should be prepared to stop at any time while going through the tolls.

Defective transponder: Unfortunately, it is possible that your transponder may be defective. To get a new transponder just log onto your account at www.myMACPASS.com or visit the MACPASS customer service centre between 8:30am – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. Report and return your defective transponder in person or by mail at PO Box 39, 471 Princess Margaret Blvd, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 3Y2.

How do I use MACPASS to pay for airport parking?

Halifax Harbour Bridges and the Halifax Stanfield International Airport are making travelling easier. MACPASS plus allows you to use your MACPASS to pay for short and long-term parking in the parkade at the airport. MACPASSplus provides drivers the convenience of reduced wait times with MACPASS plus express payment lanes and cashless parking. As long as your MACPASS is connected to your credit card, you can access this service.

 

Maintaining your MACPASS

How can I get information on my MACPASS account?

There are two ways to access up-to-date information on your MACPASS account:
Access your account information on-line in the account login area.

or

Call our customer service line at (902) 463-3100 8:30 – 5:30 Monday-Friday. You will need your account number and your personal identification number (PIN), which will be provided when you subscribe. You should change your PIN on-line when you login to your account for the first time.

How do I pay for my MACPASS?

You can choose from the following payment options:

Automatic credit-card replenishment :
The convenient credit-card replenishment option is the easiest way to make MACPASS payments. When you use a valid VISA, MasterCard or American Express card, your MACPASS account will be replenished automatically. For automatic replenishment the amount we request varies depending on how much you use the MACPASS. The usage is based on a three-month average. When your account reaches 1/3 of your average monthly amount (low balance threshold) your credit card will be charged that amount.

Pre-authorized debit (PAD):
To make payments using pre-authorized debit you must provide your banking information, as well as the preferred date during the month you would like your account debited for MACPASS usage. Debit replenishment occurs monthly on the PAD charge date that you selected. This is a once per month payment type.

Please contact customer service at (902) 463-3100 to confirm the day of the month and adjust the payment amount if needed.

Please note: If the account balance on the payment date is above your monthly payment amount, no debit payment will be processed for that month.

Manual replenishment at Customer Service Centre
To make a minimum $20 cash payment, you must visit the MACPASS Customer Service Centre located at 471 Princess Margaret Blvd, Dartmouth between 8:30 and 5:30 Monday through Friday.

Manual replenishment via ONLINE Banking
For this option, addHalifax Dartmouth Bridge Commission as a Payee along with your 7-digit MACPASS account number. Please allow 2-3 business days for the funds to be posted to your MACPASS account. If you do not know your 7 digit account number please call Customer Service at 902-463-3100. A minimum $20 payment is required on any account.

Manual replenishment @macpass.com
One-Time payments with a credit card can be posted on the MACPASS website, choose “payment information” from the menu, and you have the option to pay with the credit card on file, or enter a different credit card number to pay. One-time payments will update your account balance immediately. Suspended accounts will automatically be re-activated once the account shows a minimum $20 credit.

Can I have more than one MACPASS on one account?

Yes, you may have as many transponders as you wish on one account.

Sticker transponders can not be removed from a vehicle (the no longer work if removed from the windshield) so order a transponder for each vehicle. There is no extra cost to do so.

What happens if my MACPASS is lost or stolen?

If your MACPASS transponder is lost or stolen, notify MACPASS Customer Service Centre immediately, or report it lost or stolen through your online account. Once reported, your transponder will be deactivated and you will not be responsible for any further charges.

If you have linked your transponder with other tolling facilities, you must contact them individually to advise any changes to your pass.

Are there any fees associated with MACPASS beyond my monthly usage charges?

Most people will not have to pay additional charges for using their MACPASS. However, fees will apply for the following reasons:

  • If your account is suspended for any reason there is a reactivation fee of $10
  • The minimum payment on an account is $20
  • If, during an electronic funds transfer on your account, you have non-sufficient funds, there will be a fee of $10. After two non-sufficient funds transfers, we will deny electronic funds transfer as a payment option.

How do I cancel my MACPASS account?

If you decide to cancel your MACPASS account, you can de-activate transponders online then call or email the MACPASS Customer Service Centre to request a refund of any remaining funds back to your credit card on file. Please make sure that we have your correct credit card number and expiry date to process the refund for you and close your account.

 

Phone: 902-463-3100

Email MACPASS: macpass@hdbc.ns.ca

Email Cobequid Pass: customerservice@cobequidpass.com

Email StraitPASS: customerservice@straitpass.com

Motorcycles and Mopeds

I drive a motorcycle/moped/scooter. What is the best way to use my MACPASS?

For safety reasons, motorcycle, moped and scooter drivers are encouraged to avoid the MACPASS only lanes.

If you have a hard shell transponder, swipe the MACPASS in front of the MACPASS reader to lift the toll gate. MACPASS readers are located above the coin basket in all cash lanes.

If you have a sticker transponder, you must ensure it is installed properly. Since all bikes are different, please consult the MACPASS Customer Service Centre to ensure the right location for your bike.