West Cook News

Illinois Tollway is eliminating cash payments at tolls as it moves permanently to an electronic system.

The agency originally eliminated cash toll payments in March 2020 to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect customers and toll workers' health, Chicago NBC News reported in late February.

"We remain committed to helping the state's efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19," José Alvarez, executive director of the Illinois Tollway, said in a news release, Chicago NBC reported. "And these changes will put our agency into a position to continue providing a world-class transportation network that supports the entire regional economy,"

The shift to cashless tolls was already well underway before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agency revealed that in 2019, more than 92% of toll transactions took place via electronic means such as I-PASS or E-ZPass.

To help streamline the transition, Illinois Tollway will launch the I-PASS Assist Program — an initiative to help eligible low-income applicants easily affordably get an I-PASS transponder.

Through the program, transponders will cost $20, which includes a $10 deposit and $10 in prepaid tolls.

Households that have an income below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines will be eligible. Individuals enrolled in Medicaid are automatically eligible for the I-PASS Assist Program. Toll officials said that the program is scheduled to launch in May.

Eligible customers can obtain an I-PASS by visiting one of the Tollway's Customer Service Centers during business hours Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Customers can locate the nearest Customer Service Center by calling 800-UC-IPASS (800-824-7277).

The transponder works in 17 states, and services begin upon activation of the transponder.

To further assist customers, the agency will continue to offer customers a 14-day grace period to pay unpaid tolls without incurring fees or fines prior to being mailed an invoice.