PORTLAND (AP) – Motorists along the Maine Turnpike had to scramble for additional change Tuesday as higher tolls went into effect on the day that also marked a switch in the electronic toll collection system.

The E-ZPass system used on 40 toll roads in nine other states as distant as West Virginia made its debut at 12:01 a.m., consigning the turnpike’s 7-year-old Transpass system to oblivion.

The changeover went smoothly, said Dan Paradee, spokesman for the Maine Turnpike Authority, who was aware of only a slight delay at the Saco exit during the morning commute.

“The system itself is working very well,” said Paradee, noting that the first E-ZPass transaction was recorded at 12:03 a.m. in Biddeford. “It came across successfully and everything went through flawlessly all night long.”

Additional turnpike personnel were posted at toll plazas and interchanges to answer questions and help move traffic along, but Paradee said any confusion was minimal.

Signs were posted Monday night to alert motorists of the new tolls, which increased by 25 cents at barrier toll plazas and a dime at side interchanges.

The additional toll revenue will pay for capital improvements, including paving, bridge rehabilitation, expansion of Park & Ride lots and safety improvements. The turnpike agency’s largest expense in its five-year, $143 million program is the relocation and reconstruction of the York Toll Plaza.

Because of the high volume of E-Z Pass applications that poured in just prior to the Jan. 14 deadline, some motorists failed to receive their transmitters on time. To set matters right, turnpike officials last week announced a two-week grace period.

Those who signed up for a commuter plan may drive through the toll lanes without paying until Feb. 14, by which time their transmitter is expected to arrive. Their license plates will be photographed but the violations will be dismissed.

Those who signed up for debit accounts must pay the higher cash tolls until their unit arrives, but each account will be credited $5 to offset the higher toll rate.

Under the new toll system, passenger car tolls are $1.75 at York, $1.25 at New Gloucester and $1 at West Gardiner. Side interchanges now have a 60-cent toll.

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