A transponder (another name is T-pass) is a device that is installed on a car and is used to automatically pay for toll roads. In this case, contactless payment technology is used, which provides for the establishment of communication between the device and the gearbox antenna while the vehicle is moving at low speed.

The number of toll sections of highways in Russia is increasing every year, so the number of regularly used transponders is also growing steadily. Naturally, in order for payment to be collected without problems, the balance of the device must be periodically replenished. Quite often, the popular Sberbank Online service is used for this.

Instructions for paying for Avtodor services through Sberbank Online

As the leader of the country's financial sector, Sberbank is actively involved in promoting the most modern information technologies, which include replenishing the personal account of transponders used to pay for travel on toll roads, for example, M4 Don, etc. In this case, both the Sberbank Online personal account and the Mobile Bank application can be used.

In Internet Banking

The procedure for replenishing an account through Sberbank Online using a computer is quite simple. First you need to log in to your personal account. Then the following operations are carried out:

• opening the “Payments and Transfers” tab;

• search for payment “Avtodor - toll roads”;
• entering bank card details and personal account number, client number or agreement concluded by the owner of the vehicle with Avtodor;
• indication of the amount followed by confirmation of payment using a one-time code received by SMS message.

Payment via mobile application

Almost the same procedure as described above is performed when paying from mobile devices. To do this, you first need to download and install the Mobile Bank application, which has essentially identical functionality to the Sberbank Online service.

Autopayment service

To simplify the procedure for replenishing the personal account of a car owner, Sberbank Online provides the function of setting up auto payment. In this case, when the established minimum limit of funds in the account is reached, it will be automatically replenished from the Sberbank card. To enable this function you need:

• log into your personal account of the Sberbank Online Internet service;
• then sequentially go through the following tabs and buttons: first “Personal Menu”, then “My Auto Payments”, and then launch the “Connect Auto Payment” service;
• after that, in the search bar you need to enter “Avtodor - toll roads” and fill in the empty fields in the auto payment form that opens.

Other payment methods

The thoughtful and convenient service offered to clients by Sberbank of Russia provides several more options for paying for Avtodor services.

Payment by Sberbank card

One of the popular ways to top up a transponder’s personal account is to pay from a Sberbank card using your phone. It is carried out in the following order:

• a command of the form *390*1*2*1*amount*2# is sent by pressing the “Call” key;
• then to confirm the payment, the number 1 and the code sent by SMS are sent;
• after this, the service will display a list of bank cards linked to the phone from which the payment is made;
• then the client will only have to select the desired card and confirm the payment via SMS message.

To pay using a card, you can also use a Sberbank ATM.

Payment in cash at Sberbank terminals

Another simple and convenient option for replenishing a T-pass personal account is to deposit cash using one of the many Sberbank terminals with similar capabilities.

Nuances and limitations

The size of the maximum payment and the number of replenishments depends on the option of replenishing the personal account chosen by the vehicle owner. For example, when paying from a bank card using a mobile phone, the payment amount cannot exceed 25 thousand rubles.

Commission for paying for Avtodor transponder through Sberbank Online

The amount of commission that is charged when carrying out the described financial transactions depends on the type of payment and the method used. When paying through Sberbank Online, the commission amount is indicated directly when entering the replenishment amount. When making a transfer from a card using a telephone, the commission is 3.9%.

Safety regulations

The main rule that must be followed when using any payment options for toll roads is maintaining the confidentiality of the logins, passwords and even one-time codes used. In this case, the client’s funds are reliably protected by modern technologies that are used in the work of Sberbank services.

The WHSD or Western High Speed ​​Diameter is a high-speed broadband road for all types of transport. Travel on this road is paid and has certain tariffs.

Payment Methods

1. Payment for WHSD using a bank card at the payment point. You stop and pay the fare. This method is quite long and often delays other road users.
2. Transponder – looks like a small box and makes automatic payment when driving. The driver does not have to go out and pay at the payment points. The device itself is located on the windshield of the vehicle.

Transponder replenishment online

I think there is no need to explain how to pay using a bank card at the payment point. Everything there is like in a store, you present your card, enter your PIN code and the money is debited for the journey. Let's look at how to top up a transponder account via the Internet:

1. We go to the page – https://nch-spb.com.
2. In the top main menu, click on “Top up account”.
3. Enter the transponder balance number.
4. Just below in the window we enter the amount in rubles.
5. Next, you need to choose a convenient replenishment method. We will select "Bank Card".
6. A window will pop up to fill in the plastic details. Please note that the service only accepts personalized plastic.
7. First, enter the number of the banking product. Below we indicate the expiration date. On the map it is indicated by 4 numbers separated by a slash. The second digit indicates the year. Here you will need to select the year in full spelling.
8. Next, enter the owner’s name as it is written on the card.
9. And most importantly, the verification code CVV2 or CVC2. It is located on the right side of the white stripe at the back of the plastic, in the place where the owner's signature should appear.
10. If you work for an organization or company, you will most likely need a check. Below, enter the email address to which this piece of paper will be sent. But you can skip this point.
11. Don't forget to click on the checkbox indicating that you are familiar with the payment terms. Next, click pay.
12. Now, if you have 3D-Secure protection connected to your phone that is linked to the card, a code will be sent to you. Enter it to confirm your actions for transferring funds from your bank account.

NOTE! The amount of the commission depends on the issuing bank that issued the card. Basically, payments are made without interest.

Sberbank Online

1. Log in to your personal online banking account.
2. Go to the “Transfers and Payments” tab.
3. In the search bar, enter “WHSD” or Taxpayer Identification Number: “801574480.”
4. Click on “transponder replenishment”.
5. select the product from which the money will be transferred.
6. In the “Account, Login or Identifier” field, enter the transponder number.
7. We confirm the transaction with numbers from SMS.

Other payment methods

• From the balance of a mobile phone or account: Beeline, Megafon, MTS, Tele2. We just indicate the phone number.
• Electronic wallet Yandex.Money. We indicate the phone number or email from Yandex to which the wallet is linked.
• QIWI wallet, we also indicate the phone number.
• In banks: Gazprombank, Sberbank, Bank St. Petersburg, PTK.

At the end there will be a similar verification with a code in SMS to confirm the transaction.

On September 1, 2017, Avtodor and SZKK transponders finally began to operate on all toll sections of the M4-Don, M11 Moscow-St. Petersburg and M3-Ukraine highways. And from November 1, the WHSD will also join the “Unified Transponder” program. But do everyone have the same conditions and tariffs? Whose transponder is more profitable? Will transponders truly become “universal” for all toll roads in Russia? Let's try to figure it out.

At the end of August 2017, representatives of Avtodor (operator of all toll sections M4-Don and M3-Ukraine, as well as the M11 section bypassing Vyshny Volochyok) and the North-Western Concession Company (SZKK, Operator of the section 18-58 km from Moscow to Solnechnogorsk of the M11 highway ) announced that from September the transponders of both companies will work on all toll sections of the above routes. And in October, news appeared that Western High-Speed ​​Diameter JSC was also joining this program with transpodners for the WHSD.

It would seem that dreams of a “universal transponder” are beginning to come true. But is this really so? Will transponder owners from each company receive the same price preferences? Will there be “other people’s” loyalty programs (“passes” on the M11 Solnechnogorsk-Moscow section and an additional discount for “bonuses” on the M4 highway)?

Are transponders really universal now?

If you carefully read the press releases of the companies (this can also be done, as well as the recent news about joining the WHSD program), then optimism fades a little... Yes, purely “technically” non-stop travel transponders of both companies, like, must be provided on all sections of the M4, M11 and M3 highways. In principle, it’s already something, but:

• About the operation of Avtodor, SZKK and WHSD transponders ontoll bypass of Odintsovo on the M1-Belarus highway companies don't mention it. If you read the news in the press on this matter, it becomes obvious that while “universal” transponders will not work on the section bypassing Odintsovo. Negotiations seem to be underway, and they even promise to resolve this issue by the end of 2017, but so far these are just words.

Please also note that for the transponder from SZKK and WHSD to work on M3 and M4, no additional actions are required, but for the Avtodor transponder to work on M11 in the Moscow region and WHSD, you need to activate the “Interoperability” service in your personal account on the Avtodor website or in mobile application.

What about the tariffs?

Concerning tariffs, discounts and loyalty programs, then things are even worse here. So, SZKK promises the owners of “its” transponders, I quote:

“The discount for users with transponders “M-11 Moscow – Solnechnogorsk” on toll roads M-3, M-4 and M-11 (Vyshny Volochek) will be 20% of the fares for travel in cash“

For travel along the Western High-Speed ​​Diameter (WHSD) in St. Petersburg, with Avtodor and SZKK transponders will be valid from November 1, 2017 15% discount.

Just look at the tariffs on the official websites of Avtodor (link), and the WHSD (link) immediately becomes clear that for now, it remains much more profitable to drive on the M4 and WHSD with a “native” transponder – Avtodor gives a discount of 30% to 50% on a “native” transponder on some sections of the M4, versus only 20% for a transponder from SZKK and WHSD, and on a WHSD with a native transponder a 46% discount versus 15% with “foreign” transponders.

How are things going for travel along the 15-58 km section of the M11 highway with transponders from Avtodor and WHSD? According to information from the SZKK website, the situation is even worse:

“Discounts are not provided for third-party transponders.” ()”

That is, there are no discounts for travel along the M11 section from Moscow to Solnechnogorsk with a transponder from Avtodor and WHSD - the fare is the same as for cash... Great, right? Thus, the North-Western Concession Company once again confirmed its miserliness, I can’t call it any other way..

Below I provide a comparative table of discounts on transponders on different roads (WHSD will be added as news becomes available):

Comparison of discounts for transponders

Toll road	Day Tariff without transponder	Savings with Avtodor transponder	Savings with SZKK transponder	Savings with WHSD transponder
M4 (all sections)	840 rub.	243 rub. (29%)	168 rub. (20%)	168 rub. (20%)
M11 (Moscow-Solnechnogorsk)	450-500 rub.	No	90-100 rub (20%)	No
M11 (bypass of Vyshny Volochok)	220 rub.	110 rub. (50%)	44 RUR (20%)	44 RUR (20%)
M3 (in Kaluga region)	90 rub.	18 rub. (20%)	18 rub. (20%)	18 rub. (20%)
WHSD (All sections)	500 rub.	75 RUR (15%)	75 RUR (15%)	230 rub (46%)*

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Will loyalty programs work with someone else's transponder?

Considering the above regarding tariffs and discounts, it is at least naive to hope that any loyalty programs will work on “foreign” roads at this stage.

That is, it will not be possible to connect either a “subscription” for the M11 Moscow-Solnechnogorsk section for the Avtodor transponder, or the use of “bonuses” for an additional discount (especially since there is no discount at all in this case).

So whose transponder is more profitable?

Apparently, it will not be possible to call the conditions for “foreign” transponders equivalent, nor to determine one “most profitable” transponder for any route. It all depends greatly on which sections of toll roads you use most often, or what travel route you will be traveling in the near future. Here are some examples:

1. If at that moment “foreign” transponders were already working according to the announced conditions, then for all toll sections of the M4-Don highway we would save(during the daytime, we don’t travel at night): 393 rubles one way, or 786 rubles round trip with the “native” Avtodor transponder(almost 40% of the cash rate) , A with transponder from SZKK– only 20% savings, or 198 rubles one way / 396 rubles round trip.
2. For those traveling south from St. Petersburg and covers both M11 toll sections + all M4 toll plazas, savings with Avtodor transponder increases by 110 rubles one way / 220 rubles both ways (only for the M11 section bypassing Vyshny Volochok, no savings are added on the M11 in the Moscow region), that is, it will be 503 and 1006 rubles accordingly. But with Transponder from SZKK for this one-way route, the savings will be 198 rubles (M4) + 90-110 rubles (depending on the day and time of day when traveling M11 from Moscow to Solnechnogorsk) + 44 rubles (M11 bypassing Vyshny Volochyok): total maximum 352 rubles one way or 702 rubles round trip.
3. For everyday trips along the M11 section between Moscow and Solnechnogorsk (for example, to work or to the dacha), it is obvious that the transponder from Avtodor is not an option, since it does not give any discounts on this section (at least not yet).

It is also worth considering the conditions for purchasing the transponder itself. So, you can buy a transponder from Avtodor for 1000 rubles (+500 rubles must be deposited into your account), or rent it for 100 rubles per month (starting from the 11th month of the lease, the transponder will become your property and rental payments will stop). With SZKK, the transponder itself doesn’t seem to cost anything, but you have to pay a “subscription fee” in the amount of 50 rubles for each month in which trips are made, and this subscription fee is unlimited. Plus, if you lose/break the SZKK transponder, you will have to pay 1000 rubles to replace it with a new one.

Considering the above, the conclusion suggests itself: indeed a universal or most profitable transponder for Russia today still does not exist. The choice of transponder depends on your route or the frequency of use of specific road sections. The only thing that can be said is that for traveling south on the M4, the greatest savings will come from the transponder from Avtodor, even if you have to drive along the M11 section from Moscow to Solnechnogorsk (15-58 km).

For now, I think, I will continue to use different transponders in different areas. Because the announced conditions are fake, and not a single transponder...

Should we hope for improvements in the future?

In principle, the topic of a Unified Transponder for all toll roads in Russia, although not as quickly as we would like, is still developing. It remains to “connect” the M1 section bypassing Odintsovo to the “universal transponder” program, so that purely technically it can be said that any transponder now works on any toll section.

As for tariffs and discounts, to be honest, expectations are very restrained. I would like to hope that at least the “standard” discount for travel with any transponder will someday be the same for everyone. Although, given the exorbitant appetites of the operator of the M11 Moscow-Solnechnogorsk section (15-58 km), the North-West Concession Company (SZKK) company, which, in my opinion, are significantly inflated compared to Avtodor tariffs (with the worse quality of the toll section - the number of lanes , illumination, speed limit, etc.) and are generally inadequate in comparison with “pay zones” in other countries (and I travel a lot and can compare!), hopes in this regard are very vague...

By the way, if you often travel between cities, why not? Using this service you can save on travel much more than the savings from a transponder!

In conclusion, I would like to know your opinion about the adequacy of tariffs for toll sections from Avtodor and SZKK - I suggest you vote below:

Do you consider the tariffs for toll sections of the Avtodora and SZKK roads adequate?

Drivers often have to drive on toll roads, which means they need to use a transponder. This is a special electronic device that must have a certain amount on its balance. To top up your transponder, you can use several methods.

Where can I pay for a transponder?

Toll roads are used not only in Russia, but also in many other countries. First of all, these are Austria, Belarus, Spain, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland. You can pay for travel either non-cash, for example, while at home, or in cash. Standard methods are usually used:

• payment via the Internet;
• service centers;
• terminals and ATMs;

There is also the option of paying from a mobile phone.

How to pay a toll road

Payment for travel is carried out using a transponder - an electronic device that is attached to the windshield of the car. As soon as the driver approaches a toll section of the road, all information from the device is read at the checkpoint. If everything is in order, then the barrier opens and the driver can continue.

Help: the transponder account must have the required amount. To avoid a negative balance, you must use any convenient replenishment method.

Is it possible to pay for a toll road with a bank card?

You can easily top up your transponder balance using a bank card. In this case, the payer does not need to use Internet banking, although payment is made online. The bank doesn't really matter. The main thing is that there are enough funds in the account.

It is important to adhere to the following instructions:

1. To use this replenishment method, you must go to the official Avtodor website.
2. Then go to your Personal Account.
3. Open the “Top up account” tab.
4. The system will redirect the user to another page. There you must indicate payment details (amount, card number).
5. Confirm the transaction.

If the bank card is linked to a personal account, the user will not need to provide its details each time. As for the amount itself, you need to deposit money according to the established tariff.

Transponder: how to pay through Sberbank Online

The user can deposit the required amount through the bank using only the Internet. And if the driver has a Sberbank card, he can pay for travel in his Personal Account. So, to pay for an Avtodor transponder through Sberbank Online, you need to:

1. Go to the site and log in. If you do not have access to your Personal Account, then first you need to register in the system.
2. After this, you should open the “Transfers and Payments” section.
   
3. There you need to find the “Transport” item.
   
4. Select "Avtodor".
5. Then you should provide your payment details. They are standard - personal account and amount.
   
6. Select the card with which payment will be made (if there are several cards).
7. Confirm the transaction. A code will be sent to you via SMS for this.

The convenience of this method is that you do not need access to a computer. Any Sberbank client can make payments using a special application on their phone. But you will have to pay a small commission for the bank’s services.

How to pay for an M4 transponder via phone

Using your mobile phone it is very easy to pay for toll roads, including the M4 highway. This service is provided by the largest mobile operators, such as MTS, Beeline, Megafon, etc. There are two ways to top up via phone - from a bank card and from a SIM card balance.

In the first case, the card must be linked to a personal account:

1. You need to dial the combination *390*1*2*1*amount*2#.
2. Press the “Call” button.
3. Then you need to confirm the transaction by sending the number 1.
4. Among the list of cards, you need to indicate the one with which the payment should be made.

When the payment is made, the sender will receive an SMS. Money usually arrives in your account within a few minutes. If the card is not linked to the transponder account, then the algorithm of actions does not change. The only difference is that the user must indicate the details of his payment card.

If you need to top up your account from your phone balance, then to do this you need to do the following:

1. Dial the combination *390*1*2*1*amount*1# in the phone menu.
2. Send number 1 for confirmation.
3. Receive code from SMS.
4. Send the code in a return message.

Money is credited within 2–5 minutes. As for the commission, each operator has its own tariffs. It is important to take them into account when replenishing.

How to pay for M11

The M11 highway is also a toll road. And therefore motorists are required to pay tolls. You can choose online banking or top up using a card on the Avtodor website. Very often, drivers pay for travel using their mobile phones. Internet access is not required.

The transponder balance can be topped up at centers where such devices are sold. Any owner can come in and deposit the required amount into the account. All you need is your personal account number. In such centers you can make cashless payments or use payment terminals.

By the way, payment using a terminal is one of the most convenient ways to top up your transponder account. The procedure is very simple. You just need to find a suitable device, select the company name (Avtodor) from the menu and indicate the payment details. Then the required amount is deposited. Both cash and card can be used. In most cases, terminals charge a commission (1–2%).

As for gas stations, this service is not provided everywhere. To date, replenishment is available only in Moscow and the region. Payment is made very quickly, since you only need to provide your account number and transfer the required amount.

It is very convenient to make payments to owners of electronic wallets. We are talking about WebMoney, Qiwi, Yandex.Money. First, the payer needs to top up his electronic wallet. And then you must follow the instructions:

1. Go to the Avtodor website.
2. Log in.
3. Open the “Replenishment” section.
4. Provide the required details.
5. Confirm the transaction.

When using WebMoney you will have to pay a commission of 5%. If the deposit was made through Qiwi or Yandex.Money, the commission will be 6%.

Where to top up the WHSD transponder

You can pay for travel through the WHSD using different methods. If you have access to the Internet, you can top up your device’s balance even while in the car. All you need to do is register on your bank’s website. You can also use other options:

• replenishment at the service center;
• at a gas station;
• through a payment terminal.

You can top up your WHSD transponder using your phone. Almost all major mobile operators in Russia provide such a service. If the phone number is linked to the account, then to top up you need to send an SMS “zsd_amount” to 3116.

If you are topping up the transponder account of any other user, then in addition to the amounts, you must indicate your personal account. The payment is confirmed by a code from SMS. Tele2 and Beeline subscribers can send messages for free. For other subscribers, the cost of SMS depends on the tariff plan. As for the commission, it is about 5% for all users.

Advantages and disadvantages of toll roads

Toll roads have long been used in many countries around the world. Even in neighboring Belarus there are several such trails. Motorists have already assessed the advantages and disadvantages of Russian toll roads. The advantages include:

1. Saving time and fuel.
2. Caring for the environment.
3. Increased travel safety.
4. Reducing city traffic.

Disadvantages include high fares. For a one-time trip, the amount may be insignificant, but, for example, residents of St. Petersburg are forced to use the WHSD highway every day. In addition, even on toll highways no one is safe from traffic jams.

A transponder is a convenient device that allows you to drive on toll roads without creating traffic jams. Becoming a user is very easy. To do this, you just need to purchase a device and top up its balance. Methods for transferring money are quite varied. These are Internet banking, replenishment via telephone, at gas stations and electronic wallets. If you need to top up with cash, you can use a regular payment terminal.

A transponder is a very useful thing that allows you not to waste time paying for toll roads. Just attach the device to the windshield and the scanner will automatically debit you for the required amount. There are many ways to top up this device. This article will focus on exactly this.

Topping up your transponder account at sales centers

This is the slowest way to pay for a transponder. You can top up your device account either in cash or by credit card at any sales and service center. The operation is very simple - tell the cashier the transponder or contract number, choose the payment method and you're done.

Top up your transponder account online

Of course, you can also top up your device online. There are several ways, depending on which payment method you want to use:

• Online wallets. To top up your device, you can use all the major online wallets that operate in Russia (WebMoney, YandexMoney, Qiwi). To complete the operation, you need to register on the toll roads website and create your account. After registration, you must go to your personal account, which will provide instructions on how to top up your device with electronic money.
• If you are a client of Sberbank, then you can make a payment through the Sberbank website or its mobile application. To do this, you need to log into your online banking account and select payment for toll roads in the service payments section. The “Autopayment” service is also available for transponders. You can also top up your account through Tinkoff, Rosbank, Finservice, Lipetsk Bank.
• You can also fill out the transponder directly on the Avtodor toll road website itself, without any registration. To do this, follow the link and follow the instructions.

Top up via mobile phone

In order to top up the transponder via a mobile phone, you need to dial the USSD code, which looks like this: *390*1*1# . By typing this code, you will have to go through a short registration procedure, after which you will be able to check and fill out your transponder account at any convenient time.

Replenishment via ATMs

Eleksent ATMs are quite common on the streets. They are found throughout Russia, in every city. You can fill the device for quick and convenient passage through the toll road checkpoint using this ATM.

Refill at Lukoil gas station

You can instruct the operator to refuel not only your car, but also the transponder. To do this, you again need to provide the device or contract number. This is very convenient, because the Lukoil gas station is located in front of many checkpoints.

As you may have noticed, there are a lot of ways. Choose the one that suits you best. And if you use toll roads and still don't have a transponder, be sure to purchase one.