Get I-Pass or Pay Double

By Rachelle Bowden in News on Oct 1, 2004 3:53PM

The IL State Toll Highway Authority has unanimously approved an overhaul that is designed to ease tollway congestion. That's the good news. The bad news for those who pay cash at tolls is that you're gonna have to pay double what those who have I-Pass pay.

The $5.3 billion plan includes rebuilding 274 miles of roadway and removing toll plazas. It's expected to take 10 years to complete the project.

To help pay for it, the tolls will double starting January 1 for those who pay with cash. I-Pass users will see no increase in the tolls. This is the first system-wide toll increase in 21 years.

Also included in the plan is a provision for low-income drivers to get a discount on the I-Pass transponder. They'll pay $20 instead of the normal $50.