Illinois finds success with I-PASS

Illinois officials were so impressed of the response of the addition of 37 I-PASS lanes last year that they will nearly double the number during 2004. According to the Chicago Tribune, Illinois will add a total of 69 I-PASS-only lanes at 40 locations in an effort to cut travel times and congestion on some of the state's busiest roads.

"We've seen time and time again that I-PASS improvements on the Illinois Tollway are improving convenience and saving drivers time," said Gov. Rod Blagojevich in a statement.

The $20 million effort will add I-PASS-only lanes on the Northwest, Tri-State, East-West and North-South Tollways at 37 locations. Those spots already have at least one dedicated lane, and I-PASS also will be installed on 32 ramps. The Northwest and Tri-State Tollways should receive more I-PASS express lanes in the future.

"Over the past year, we have proven that I-PASS is the tollway's No. 1 congestion relief tool," Jack Hartman, Illinois Tollway Executive Director, told the Chicago Tribune. "The 2004 I-PASS Expansion Project continues our efforts to increase the advantages of having an I-PASS and to further increase I-PASS usage."