Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Prepares For Statewide Cashless Tolling

To modernize the state’s transportation system, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is making some changes.

“We will be converting our final turnpike to cashless tolling," said Lisa Shearer-Salim, with the OTA. 

Cash toll booths will be a thing of the past as Oklahoma transitions fully to electronic tolling at 7 a.m. Wednesday. 

Drivers will need to pay tolls using one of the electronic payment options: PIKEPASS or PlatePay.

Shearer-Salim says it will also help speed up toll collection, reduce wait times, and improve safety.

“A lot of people don’t carry cash anymore, it's an inconvenience to stop on your trip, and it's also a safety factor,” she said. 

The Will Rogers Turnpike will be the last toll booth to make the switch.

“Technology has just caught up,” said Johnny Melton. For him, it's bittersweet.

“As a toll collector, we served the public, and I kind of considered myself and other toll collectors as the heart of Oklahoma,” he said.

He’s been a toll collector since 1981 and now manages field operations for workers.

Johnny says the transition has been gradual, giving employees the chance to plan for the future.

“Many of the folks have transitioned into other positions and some will be going off into another journey, another chapter in life,” he said. 

Johnny's next journey will mean spending more time with his grandkids in retirement.

“We’re very proud of what we have done from that point to this point and we’re very glad to hand it off so it can continue to be the wonderful agency that it is,” he said. 

Johnny says he actually took the last cash payment on the Turner Turnpike back in May and he plans to take the last payment at the toll plaza in Miami Wednesday morning, before all cash lanes close.

Those traveling who haven't signed up for PIKEPASS will be charged PlatePay rates and mailed a bill.