Land of Lincoln Leads: Illinois Tollway’s I-PASS Assist Drives Equity and Access on the Open Road

The Illinois Tollway's I-PASS Assist program is a pioneering, equity-focused initiative designed to support underserved communities by making tollway travel more accessible and affordable. Launched in June 2021, the program has seen a dramatic 15-fold increase in enrollment, growing from 2,500 accounts in 2020 to over 40,000 active accounts. Key innovations include the elimination of the transponder deposit, reducing setup costs, and lowering automatic replenishment fees, which have collectively waived over $3.7 million in invoice fees. Through targeted outreach and an automated application process, I-PASS Assist has significantly expanded its reach, providing low-income residents with equitable access to transportation, setting a new standard in the tolling industry.