Electronics

Automation. Computer driver robotic workers. Humans replaced.

Bob generally refuses to use the self checkout lanes at the store, especially the grocery store. He knows it eliminates the need for living cashiers.

There’s one automation in our life we use. Electronic toll taking systems.

For several years Illinois has had I-pass. We have a mounted transponder on the inside windshield. We zip through toll booths, barely slowing at all.

Recently, in the last 3 years, Illinois has raised the rates of the manual or cash toll lanes. What cost $.40 is now $.80. Doubled. The exception is the I-pass users who are charged the old rate. That is incentive. In fact, the I-pass lanes around Chicago are all at regular speed, no slowing.

Our credit card is tied to the transponder. The system hits our credit card $40 as needed and subtracts usages.

We discovered that the Indiana toll road accepts our I-pass. Their rates increased the beginning of April. However, using I-pass the rates are the old ones. From the west end to the Sturgis/Howe exit used to cost $3.05 and still does for I-pass or EZ pass or I-zoom. But the ticket takers and cash payers now dole out $5 for the same drive.

Automation can equal $ saving.

‘til later