So You Cruised Through Chicago Without Any Cash? Don't Panic, Toll Hero!
Let's face it, Chicago's a dazzling city. You're busy taking in the sights, maybe cramming that deep-dish pizza in one hand and a selfie stick in the other. Next thing you know, BZZZT! Tollbooth! But wait... where's the tollbooth? And more importantly, where's your wallet?
Fear not, fellow traveler! Chicago, in its infinite wisdom, has embraced the magic of the internet. You can ditch the frantic digging for quarters and surrender your toll tribute online. But hold on to your hats (or deep-dish for that matter) because there's a bit of a twist.
Gone are the Days of Tollbooth Tellers
Yup, you read that right. Chicago decided cash just wasn't gangster enough (sorry, couldn't resist). So those charming tollbooth interactions with slightly-disgruntled toll workers are a thing of the past. Now it's all about electronic payments, which brings us to...
Your Toll-Paying Options: From Shiny Gadgets to Online Heroics
1. The Knights of I-PASS and E-ZPass: These are basically little electronic knights in shining armor that announce your arrival to the toll sensors with a fancy bleep-bloop. If you have one of these bad boys on your windshield, you're good to go. Just make sure it's topped up! Running on empty with an I-PASS is like showing up to a medieval joust with a wet noodle. No bueno.
2. Pay By Plate: The Hero for the Accidental Toll Dodger Didn't see the electronic toll signs? Hey, it happens! This is where Pay By Plate swoops in to save the day. Here's the gist: Within 14 days of your toll adventure, you can log onto the Illinois Tollway website [Illinois Tollway Pay By Plate] and enter your license plate info, travel dates, and preferred payment method. Just be warned, they'll charge you the cash rate, which isn't exactly a discount knight special.
The Final Showdown: Avoiding Toll Trouble
So, to recap: Breathe easy, you can pay those Chicago tolls online. If you have an I-PASS or E-ZPass, high five! If not, remember the 14-day Pay By Plate window. Most importantly, enjoy the Windy City and don't let tolls turn your trip into a medieval torture device!
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