ST. IGNACE, MI -- The Mackinac Bridge Authority thinks they've cashed in on an idea that will make it easier for you to cross the bridge.

Starting Tuesday, you won't be docked a fee if you use plastic.

You're crossing the Mackinac Bridge.  As you approach the toll, you see it's going to cost $3.50, but you don't have any cash.  Sound like you?  Up to a couple years ago, here's what would happen:  You'd have to pull off to the side, take a ride with a bridge employee, and stop at a bank.  Two years ago, that policy changed, and they started accepting credit and debit cards.

"What we found was once we started allowing credit card use at the bridge, the number of customers started to rise rapidly," said Bob Sweeney, Mackinac Bridge Authority.

As many as 500 commuters a month crossing the bridge cashed with plastic.  But, it wasn't a simple swipe.  You'd have to pull off, go inside, and pay.  There was also a $2.50 fee for doing so.  So in a standard passenger car, you'd pay $6 instead of $3.50.  Not anymore.

"We determined it's probably time to reevaluate those fees and the board decided to eliminate the fees all together," said Sweeney.

The extra fees are gone, but you'll still have to go inside to pay.  But this too could soon change.

Now, as part of the new study, they're looking into allowing people, like the toll booth managers, to take your money, or slide your card.

"It’s probably a feature that we're going to install in the next year.  We still have a little bit of research to do," said Sweeney.

Bob Sweeney says a simple swipe from the drivers’ seat is likely.  And even though credit card companies charge a two percent fee each swipe, Sweeney anticipates savings in auditing and staffing will pay for that.