I-PASS Chicago

[JOdell]

I will be traveling through Chicago next month and would like some info on I-PASS. Cost and all that. I really don't want to stop all the time and pay the toll. I tried to go to the website but it is under construction. I will be pulling a tandem axle trailer if that makes a difference. -Jason

 

[CumminsPower98]

I wouldn't bother if you are only driving through. It's not worth it at all. You have to setup an account and mount a transponder in your vehicle. I run through there all the time and just stop and pay. Yes this gets real old but I wouldn't get an I-PASS unless I lived there or planned on continuing to drive like I am now for a long a lot longer. Anyway here is the Illinois Toll Way site.

Edit: I get reimbursed when I'm loaded. Costs me $16. 35 with four axles to take 294-290-90 up to Wisconsin and on west on 94. It costs less then half that coming back empty.

 

[fest3er]

Just remember the Trollway folks charge double for cash now; sometimes I think the 'enticement' to use IPass is so the government can track when people travel and where they go. It might be better if there's any way you can drive around Windy. I've been thinking I might start heading over I-74 then up 59 to get to Elgin. I can usually head up US14 to Janesville to avoid the rest of the NW Trollway. I've also sometimes found that surface roads can be faster than the limited access roads.

 

[lil red cummins]

cash toll on 294 for passenger car is 80 cents per gate



not sure about the rest.



i was just up there last month. make sure to pay attention for the "cash" areas. they are almost like an exit.



i missed a few last year in the rain and ended up in the ipass lanes. i called them and they said "don't worry about it" you can get an envelope for missed tolls and drop it off at any cash gate.



jim

 

[JOdell]

It might be better if there's any way you can drive around Windy. I've been thinking I might start heading over I-74 then up 59 to get to Elgin. I can usually head up US14 to Janesville to avoid the rest of the NW Trollway. I've also sometimes found that surface roads can be faster than the limited access roads.

I did notice that it cost a lot more when I went up there this past Christmas. I wouldn't mind going around Chicago but I don't like the 55 MPH for vehicles towing trailers in Illinois. I have to go to Minneapolis, MN. When I don't tow a trailer I go I-74 to I-39. But that is WAY to much road for 55. -Jason

 

[CSnyder]

I came through there at Thanksgiving time last fall with a 24 foot single wheel tandem gooseneck and it cost me something like 42. 00 for the trip through. Now I just hit the I-pass lane and go without the box or payment. Ive done this MANY times and never been caught. If it ever happens Ill play stupid farmer on them. I think its crap how much they charge!

 

[SuperSteeler]

I noticed when I went back to Illinois in 05 that my Ez-pass from PA worked with the I-pass booths in Illinois. So if have one for Indiana already it may work in Illinois.

 

[bmoeller]

I wouldn't mind going around Chicago but I don't like the 55 MPH for vehicles towing trailers in Illinois. I have to go to Minneapolis, MN. When I don't tow a trailer I go I-74 to I-39. But that is WAY to much road for 55. -Jason

Set the cruise at 63-64, and go. The cops won't even look you, as long as you don't do something stupid to get pulled over. I drive a big truck, and have never been pulled over.

I think its crap how much they charge!

Yep. The IL tolls are a bit cheaper from ~10pm to 6am, too. Their placement of the toll gates is BS.



The Indiana I-80/90 tollway just raised their tolls within the past 2-3 weeks. Used to be $14. 25 from the east to west gates for a 5 axle truck. Now it is $19. #@$%!