FAQs
Toll Transactions and Billing
When auto-pay is activated, will my negative balance be paid all at once?
Auto-replenishment will add the selected increment to your negative balance until the minimum balance threshold is met. For example, if you selected to auto-replenish at $25, and your balance is -$100, you will see four $25 payments, then an additional $25, until the minimum balance threshold is met. Our current minimum balance threshold is $10. Call us at 855-648-4330 or visit us at 300 Center Avenue, Suite 101, if you have specific questions about your multi-vehicle account.
Why have I not received a bill yet?
Customers who have a BC-PASS can access their account online to view transactions, make a one-time payment, and other self-service features. Those who do not have a BC-PASS (or valid E-ZPass/I-Pass account), can expect to receive an invoice soon. Invoices will be sent to the address where the vehicle is registered.
I want to be on the monthly plan, but I can’t find it on the website. What do I do?
At this time, you need to reach out to us at 855-648-4330 or stop in and see us at 300 Center Avenue, Suite 101, to set up the $15/mo plan.
What is the penalty for unpaid tolls?
Pay your tolls on time to avoid late fees and penalties. Unpaid balances are subject to additional fees, up to and including Third Party Collections. Additional enforcement actions, as allowed by Michigan State Law, may also be utilized.
Billing and Fee Structure
| INITIAL INVOICE | Customers have 30 days to pay initial invoice balances. |
| TOLL VIOLATION NOTICE | Issued for any unpaid balance from the Initial Invoice. Includes unpaid balance + $15 late fee + new tolls. |
| FINAL NOTICE | Issued for any unpaid balance from the Toll Violation Notice. Includes unpaid balance + $20 late fee + new tolls. |
| COLLECTIONS |
Issued for any unpaid balance from the Final Notice. Includes unpaid balance + $50 Collections Fee + new tolls. |
There are several ways to pay your bill
- Online: www.bc-pass.com
- By Phone: 855.648.4330 – automated payment system available.
- By Mail: Use the payment coupon included with your invoice.
- In Person: 300 Center Avenue, Suite 101, Bay City, MI
What are the low income limits?
The Income-Eligible Toll Discount Plan applies to qualified City of Bay City residents only. Once the current free tolling period ends, City of Bay City residents will be required to provide a copy of the MDHHS-1605 letter to verify their low-income status and continue to receive toll exemptions under this discount plan.
Income limits are established by the Michigan Department for Health & Human Services.
NOTE: City of Bay City residency will be determined using the existing criteria, and customers must reside within the specified geographic location. Current vehicle registration documentation will still be required.
General Tolling
When will tolling begin?
I just crossed the bridge without a BC-Pass, what happens now?
Once the vehicle registration information is received from the respective motor vehicles departments, a notice will be sent to the registered owner. If the vehicle is leased/rented, the notice more than likely be sent to the Leasing/Rental company.
You can contact customer service or visit the Walk-In Center and we can attempt to locate the account information with your license plate number.
Will there be toll booths?
The Liberty and Independence Bridge toll systems are All-Electronic and do not have any toll booth.
Drivers should maintain the posted speed limit, currently set at 35 MPH.
Watch this video to learn more about electronic tolling.
Are there signs notifying drivers of the toll bridges?
All toll signage is designed and installed according to Federal Highway standards, other road signage regulations, and in coordination with the City of Bay City.
BCBP has met and/or exceeded these standards.
Refer to baycitybridgepartners.com/gallery/ for sign locations
What if someone else was driving my vehicle?
The registered owner of the vehicle is responsible for payment of tolls and fees.
When will Pay-by-Mail customers receive their first invoice?
Customers who utilize the bridge and do not have an active BC-PASS transponder (sticker pass) installed in their vehicle will receive an invoice in the mail within approximately 30 days.
You can also contact customer service or visit the Walk-In Center and we can attempt to locate the account information with your license plate number.
Transponders
When will I receive my BC-PASS transponder?
You can create an account at our office and immediately receive a BC-PASS for your vehicle.
Orders over the telephone or online are typically shipped within 5 business days.
Is there a cost for a new or replacement BC-PASS transponder?
There is no charge for a new or replacement BC-Pass.
Why do I need to have a BC-PASS account and install a transponder in my vehicle?
The lowest toll rates are available only with a valid BC-PASS or E-Zpass account. Additionally, certain discount plans require the use of the BC-PASS transponder associated with a valid BC-PASS account.
Drivers traveling without a valid account will pay the higher pay-by-mail rate, which involves sending a notice to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Can I use my BC-PASS transponder on both the Liberty and Independence bridges?
Yes. You do not need a different transponder for each bridge.
What if I placed my transponder on my vehicle incorrectly?
Stop by our Walk-In Center at 300 Center Ave, Suite 101 for a free replacement. If you attempt remove/relocate the transponder, it will break and no longer work.
BC-PASS Account Access, Transactions and Payment Methods
How can I reset my username/password?
Use the “forgot username/password” button on the www.BC-PASS.com log in page. You will receive an email notification with your log in details.
Why do I need to add a payment method to my BC-PASS account?
BC-PASS accounts require a funding method to be saved on the account. The funding method is used to keep an account in good and active status.
Improperly funded or unfunded accounts will not work on toll roads that use E-ZPass and/or may be subject to higher toll rates.
Residents of the City of Bay City who are eligible for the resident discount (no tolls for Class 1 vehicles) are not required to have a funding method on file.
What type of payment method can I use for my BC-PASS account?
The funding method can be a credit card, debit card, or checking account (ACH).
When will I begin to see the toll transactions post to my BC-Pass account?
Customers can access their account online and review transactions within 1-3 days.
It is important to ensure your Transponder is properly installed and that your license plate is updated on your BC-PASS account.
What if I don't have a credit/debit card or bank account… can I use a pre-paid card?
Some but not all prepaid cards allow for automatic recurring payments.
Prepaid cards CAN be used online and on recurring payments, however they need to be
1) activated and
2) registered with the same customer information as the BC-PASS account, and
3) have a sufficient balance to cover the amount of the transaction/payment.
Discount Plans – Resident and Monthly Pass
Are businesses eligible for any discounts?
Commercial accounts and vehicles are not eligible for any discount programs, however, they can save on tolls by traveling with a valid BC-PASS or E-ZPass account.
Do Non-Profits receive exempt status?
Non-Profits are not eligible for toll exemptions.
How does the Monthly Pass work?
The $15 Monthly Pass is for unlimited crossings of your Class 1 passenger vehicle. $15 is the cost for each Transponder registered on the Monthly Pass subscription.
The account type must be PRE-PAID Individual and payment set to “AUTO-REPLENISHMENT”.
Is the Monthly Pass per vehicle or per account?
How do I enroll in the Monthly Pass?
Monthly Pass enrollment is not available online. To enroll, contact customer service or visit our walk-in center. You will need to provide a valid vehicle registration card for each vehicle being enrolled in the Monthly Pass.
Who qualifies for the Monthly Pass and Resident Discount?
What are the toll rates for Residents and Monthly Pass users?
All toll rate details can be found on the BCBP Tolling Rates page
Do Bay City residents need to open a BC-PASS account?
To receive the Bay City Resident Discount, all eligible vehicles must have a transponder installed and associated with a valid BC-PASS account. Residents need to update their registration annually in order to verify resident status. A funding method is encouraged but not required for residents to receive the resident discount
How do I qualify for the Bay City resident discount?
When does the 5-year free period start for Bay City residents?
The free five year period for Liberty started in January 2023. The free five year period for Independence starts in January 2025.
Can I use my E-ZPASS transponder for the Monthly Pass or the Bay City resident discount?
BCBP discount plans require the use of a valid BC-PASS account and transponder.
Travelers using a valid and funded E-ZPass or I-Pass will be charged the standard E-ZPass toll rate per class.
I'm a resident and received an invoice, what should I do?
Visit the Walk-In Center as soon as possible to convert your invoice to a BC-PASS account. Once eligibility is confirmed, the tolls on your invoice will be adjusted to the correct rate.
Privacy and Security
Is my payment information secure?
Customer credit card information is tokenized (the actual card details are not stored on the account)
Are you going to sell my data?
BCBP collects data for purposes of processing and collecting tolls; customer data will not be sold
E-ZPass and Other Tolling Networks
What other toll collection devices are accepted on the bridges?
BCBP accepts the BC-PASS and E-Zpass (including I-PASS) transponders only. Toll transactions will be charged at the base toll rate for each vehicle class.
Can the BC-PASS be used at other toll facilities?
We are working to make the BC-PASS usable at other toll facilities in the E-Zpass network. Check back soon for updates.
BC-PASS Account Information and Replenishment
Can I add multiple vehicles to my BC-PASS account?
You can add multiple vehicles to one account. Each vehicle will be assigned a specific transponder.