North Tidewater News

The Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC) has announced significant enhancements to the Toll Relief Program in the Hampton Roads region, with a focus on expanding financial assistance to a wider group of residents.

According to the ERC, the annual individual income threshold for eligibility has been raised from $50,000 to $65,000. This increase aims to make the program more inclusive and accessible to a larger number of individuals in need of toll relief.

In addition to the income threshold adjustment, the maximum number of discounted trips available to participants has been raised from 10 to 14 trips per week. This enhancement allows Toll Relief participants to save 50% on up to 14 trips through the Downtown or Midtown Tunnels weekly, providing more savings opportunities for eligible residents.

Furthermore, the program now allows residents to enroll at any time, without a specific deadline, enabling them to start receiving toll discounts immediately. However, participants are required to re-enroll annually on or before the date they initially enrolled to continue benefiting from the program.

The program's residency requirement remains unchanged, encompassing all jurisdictions within the Hampton Roads Planning District. This ensures that a greater number of residents in the region can access the benefits of the Toll Relief Program.

To enroll in the program, eligible residents with 2-axle vehicles equipped with an E-Z Pass transponder must visit in-person at the E-Z Pass Centers in Norfolk or Portsmouth, or at the DriveERT Customer Care Center in Portsmouth. Proof of income and residency is required for enrollment.

For more detailed information about the Toll Relief Program and its enhancements, individuals are encouraged to visit www.VDOTTollRelief.com.