Illinois Tollway lowers cost of I-PASS temporarily

The upfront cost of an I-PASS account for the Illinois Tollway system is getting cheaper.

Tollway officials announced Thursday a new I-PASS account will temporarily cost $30. That includes a $10 deposit and $20 in prepaid tolls. The current cost is $50 or $60, depending on whether the customer chooses automatic or manual reloading the account.

I-PASS is a prepaid toll collection system that allows drivers to use toll roads without paying cash.

The price break runs from Oct. 1 through the end of the year. It's part of a larger campaign to raise awareness about the all-electronic Tri-State Tollway (I-294)/I-57 Interchange that's opening in October.

Also, the Tollway is opening a temporary customer service center at the Secretary of State Office in Midlothian from September through November 2014.