Washington on Wedneday began issuing its first electronic transponders to collect tolls from drivers who cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, a funding mechanism that’s sure to catch on around the region.

The system deducts tolls from the driver’s prepaid account, eliminating the need to stop at a toll plaza. To see the state DOT’s demonstration, click on this link.

Tolls are likely to be part of financing any future area road improvements. They should also be seen as an incentive to boost demand for transit, which needs to be increased in tandem with the addition of tolls.