Illinois Tollway offers more income-eligible drivers cost-saving benefits through I-PASS Assist Program
More income-eligible drivers are receiving the cost-saving benefits of I-PASS after signing up for I-PASS Assist Accounts that also offer few up-front costs.
The number of active I-PASS Assist accounts has more than quadrupled to more than 12,200, as a result of ongoing Illinois Tollway outreach efforts since enhancing the program in 2022.
Working through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Revenue, the Tollway is able to verify the eligibility of households for I-PASS Assist using a secure web form that requires minimal information to determine if household incomes fall below the required threshold, which is based on 250 percent of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
I-PASS Assist offers eligible drivers all the benefits of I-PASS, including the standard 50 percent discount on tolls, an easy way to manage travel costs and smooth, seamless travel on the 294-mile Tollway system.
Additionally, the program provides additional savings and benefits, including waiving the standard $10 deposit fee for an I-PASS transponder and allowing enrolled drivers to open an account with as little as $4 in prepaid tolls.
When account balances get low, drivers also can automatically replenish their I-PASS accounts by adding only $4.
And participants may have fees accrued from unpaid tolls dismissed—and avoid future fees for missed tolls.
“We want to make the benefits of I-PASS available to more drivers by eliminating the deposit for I-PASS transponders and lowering replenishment costs so they don’t pose a barrier to drivers,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Everyone should be able to easily access our roads to more efficiently and safely reach their jobs, homes or other destinations.”
As a bonus for signing up for I-PASS Assist, the Tollway has awarded $20 gift cards to about 5,500 drivers participating in this program. The cards can’t be used to pay tolls, but can be used for any other expenses—travel-related or not.
The gift cards will be provided to new participants while supplies last.