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.

They continuously patrolled 37 miles of roadway, assisting drivers and clearing crash scenes, operated snowplows and other heavy equipment and staffed shifts around the clock—all without sustaining a single on-the-job injury in 2022.

The Illinois Tollway is honoring the roadway workers at the DeKalb M-11 maintenance site for their outstanding safety record last year.

The DeKalb maintenance site on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) was the only one among the Tollway’s 12 maintenance garages whose crew racked up a perfect safety record in 2022. 

Along with rows of shining semi tractor-trailers, fancy travel accessories and even chiropractic services, the Illinois Tollway was a popular attraction at the Mid-West Truck & Trailer Show in Peoria.

Hundreds of visitors stopped by the Tollway booth at the regional show this month to talk to agency staff and get information about popular toll-paying programs, including I-PASS and Pay By Plate.

In his 10 years working in various customer service positions at the Illinois Tollway, Messenger Services Supervisor Bryant Rule is used to helping others. 

And, it carries over into his life outside the Tollway where he serves as one of the pastors with the Church of God in Christ in Northern Illinois. 

“I believe in relationships,” says Rule. “Whatever you can do to help someone along the way, that’s what you do.”

There are more career opportunities available in the transportation industry than just engineers, planners and traffic managers. There are also opportunities in traditional office professions such as IT, HR and finance, as well as in warehouse positions and the skilled trades.

That’s why the Illinois Tollway is offering college students and recent graduates summer internships in a variety of departments, as well as full-year internships in engineering and business systems. Eligible students can apply online on the Tollway’s website through March 31.