I-Pass on Demand Event brings convenience to South Beloit residents

Local residents took advantage of a unique opportunity to update their tollway access at the I-Pass on Demand Event on Monday, February 3, 2025 at Nature at the Confluence in South Beloit. The event was sponsored by the City of South Beloit and the office of State Senator Andrew Chesney (45th District) and saw appearances by both South Beloit Mayor Tom Fitzgerald and Senator Chesney himself.

Those who were unable to attend will have another chance to participate in a full-day I-Pass on Demand event. During the February 3 city council meeting, Mayor Fitzgerald shared that the event will be sponsored by State Representative John Cabello on Friday, February 28 at Nature at the Confluence, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to update their tollway access with ease.

Attendees had the convenience of picking up new I-Pass tollway stickers or exchanging their existing transponders for new sticker tags that were instantly linked to their vehicles and activated on the spot. By 6 p.m., representatives from Senator Chesney’s office reported that on-site Illinois Tollway employees served well over 200 residents, with an Mayor Fitzgerald reporting an impressive average service time of just six minutes—a stark contrast to the longer processing times at tollway oases or over the phone. Many residents left satisfied, appreciating the efficiency of the event.

In addition to transponder exchanges, attendees could apply for the I-Pass Assist program, a tollway access initiative designed to aid low-income residents. This program allows participants to save 50% on tolls and open an account with as little as $4. While applications for I-Pass Assist are typically completed online at illinoistollway.com/assist or in person at the Downers Grove Customer Service Center, this event made it possible for qualified residents to enroll in just minutes. To be eligible, applicants with a household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines could qualify. Verifying the income took only moments, especially for those who filed a 2023 Illinois state income tax return or currently receive Illinois Department of Human Services cash or food assistance. Plainly, a family of two or three earning $49,300 or $62,150 or less respectively would be eligible for half-price tolls.

Senator Chesney’s office frequently hosts such events, with another I-Pass on Demand event scheduled later this week in Sterling, Illinois. Kim and Lori, liaisons from Senator Chesney’s office, also encouraged residents to contact his offices in Freeport or Springfield for assistance with issues from  unemployment claims and notarial service to state taxes and internships, and more. Additionally, his office provides free museum passes for up to four people, available for checkout from his offices.