PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Department of Transportation and Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC) are moving quickly to provide toll relief to even more drivers in Hampton Roads at the Midtown and Downtown tunnels.
Beginning November 1, 2022, those eligible can enroll in the Toll Relief Program. The savings will take effect Jan. 1, 2023.
The Elizabeth River Crossing Task Force met recently to share what VDOT is recommending to improve the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Toll Relief Program.
ERC, which is funding the program, issued a news release on Sept. 26 with the official details.
Those making less than $50,000 and living anywhere in the Hampton Roads Planning District would be eligible to apply for relief. The previous cap was at $30,000 and only available for Portsmouth and Norfolk residents.
“We are very committed to this community and with this new program we want to benefit as many income-restrained residents as possible, across the entire region,” said Anna Bonet, CEO of Elizabeth River Crossings.
For drivers in two-axle vehicles, that relief would come in the form of a 50% rebate being applied back to your E-ZPass account the following day.
Additionally, drivers would be able to enroll in the program year-round, not just in a fixed timeframe, and start receiving their toll discounts immediately.
The weekly maximum amount of rebated transactions is 10 passes through the Midtown or Downtown tunnels.
The current rate for 2-axle vehicles at peak times is $2.50 and $1.94 during off-peak times, so drivers could save up to around $650 per year through the program.
“This collaboration will significantly increase the number of drivers who can move more effectively and economically through the region,” said Chris Hall, VDOT District Engineer.
Eligible drivers have to live in the “Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization” region, which extends up to Gloucester and James City counties to the north and as far west as Southampton and Isle of Wight counties.
Residents must enroll in-person at the E-ZPass Centers in Norfolk or Portsmouth, or at the DriveERT Customer Care Center in Portsmouth. Proof of income and proof of residency is required. Participants must re-enroll each year on or before the date they enrolled the year prior. Those already in the 2021-2022 program must re-enroll by February 28, 2023.
To learn more about Toll Relief, visit www.VDOTTollRelief.com.
