NORFOLK, Va. — More people from Hampton Roads could get discounts on tolls for the Downtown and Midtown tunnels due to an expansion of the Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC) Toll Relief Program.
Starting on Oct. 29, the maximum annual income for eligibility to the program is being raised from $50,000 a year to $65,000 a year, according to a release from ERC. There will also be an increase in the maximum number of discounted trips. Now you can save 50% on 14 trips per week, up from 10 trips previously.
There is no enrollment deadline, but you will have to re-enroll annually on or before the date they enrolled the previous year, ERC said. You must have an E-ZPass transponder to take advantage of the discount.
People will have to enroll in person with proof of income and residency at the E-ZPass Center in Norfolk, Portsmouth or at the DriveERT Customer Care Center in Portsmouth.
The discount comes from a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and ERC. Funding for the program is provided by ERC, which said it will contribute more than $3.3 million to the program in 2023, increasing annually by 3.5%.
"VDOT recognizes the importance of such partnerships in delivering safe and efficient transportation solutions to the public and fostering increased program participation. This collaboration is exceptionally poised to significantly elevate mobility and cost-effectiveness for drivers across the region," Chris Hall, VDOT Hampton Roads District Engineer, wrote in a news release.
You can learn more about the Toll Relief Program at VDOT's site.