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See who qualifies for Virginia’s new Toll Relief program

Posted at 12:08 PM, Oct 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-24 12:08:19-04

NORFOLK — Some drivers in Hampton Roads will qualify for Virginia’s new Toll Relief program.

The program offers toll relief to Norfolk and Portsmouth drivers who travel the Elizabeth River Tunnels.

“Toll Relief is another big step in easing the burden of tolls throughout the region,” Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said at Monday’s announcement. “We will continue to take smart, innovative approaches in solving the Commonwealth’s transportation challenges to ensure our citizens and businesses can thrive and prosper in the new Virginia economy.”

The governor called the program the first of its kind in the nation.

Toll Relief enrollment begins December 1, 2016 and runs through February 15, 2017.

Benefits begin March 1, 2017.

To qualify for Toll Relief, you must:

Reside in Norfolk or Portsmouth

Earn $30,000 or less per year

Have or obtain a Virginia E-ZPass transponder and registered account

Record eight trips or more during a calendar month through the Downtown or Midtown tunnels

“Once a qualified participant’s Virginia E-ZPass transponder has recorded eight trips or more through the Downtown or Midtown tunnels during a calendar month, a $0.75 per trip refund will be credited to his or her Virginia E-ZPass account,” a governor’s spokesperson said. “Toll Relief is a 10-year program. The first year of the program will serve as a pilot. Data collected will help determine if adjustments to implementation are needed.”

Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC), operators of the Elizabeth River Tunnels, will pay $500,000 a year, for 10 years, to help offset the costs.

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