A staple of the interior of many vehicles in the Chicago area for decades will be phased out in the coming year as the Illinois Tollway initiates a change in how tolls are collected.
According to the Illinois Tollway, I-PASS transponders will be phased out in favor of radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker tags that will be issued in the coming months.
Officials say the stickers will be available at oases and the Tollway’s headquarters at the end of January, and will be available for online ordering by February.
“The Illinois Tollway is continuing to adopt new tolling technology as it evolves, and I-PASS Sticker Tags mark the latest development in toll collection,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse in a statement. “Sticker tags are being adopted by toll agencies across the country and by the Illinois Tollway as they provide a convenient, reliable and less expensive travel experience for our customers.”
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According to officials, 19 states are part of the E-ZPass program, and the tag will work for all of those states.
Unlike transponders, there will be no deposit fee, according to the Tollway. Drivers will also be able to receive multiple stickers to link to the same I-PASS account, meaning that stickers won’t have to be moved between vehicles.
What to do if you already have a transponder
According to officials, current transponders will remain active until their designated expiration date.
The stickers can be used immediately on the Illinois Tollway system, though officials say that there may be a 24-hour waiting period for use on the Chicago Skyway or for other states that are on the E-ZPass system.
