They're horrible! You can drive clear across the state in 2-3 hours and pay $10 in tolls. There are other states without ANY tollways AND those states have better roads. What gives? How can you put up with it...?
2006-08-11 18:03:59 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Chicago
You don't notice it if you don't anything different. There are states with much steeper toll prices, like Ohio. A lot of people have the I passes which cut your cash expenses in half.
2006-08-11 18:14:04 · answer #1 · answered by Maskelah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Illinois Tollway system was set up about 30 yrs ago as separate from the state of Ill. with the promise that no state taxes would be used and that when the road was paid for, the toll would be eliminated. Of course it will never be paid for. Our former governor is facing hard time for hanky panky in another area but his "friends" were connected to the tollway system.
One thing we can do is avoid the tollways. There are other routes. All take longer however.
Another way we do it...get I PASS. It's a digital sending unit attached to the windshield that sends a signal. An account is opened and of course pre-paid. The advantage to this is that when the system was implemented, the fee stayed the same. Now those who pay cash are paying double. Digital cameras take everyone's pic as they pass through the gate. If you have an I PASS, no problem. If you don't, then expect a ticket in the mail after a few violations.
Other states have similar systems.
2006-08-12 11:15:52 · answer #2 · answered by tichur 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I finally broke down and got an I pass because I got sick of the toll roads sucking up all my change that i prefer to spend on important things like soda and laundry. I still think it's horrible. I go to school in DeKalb and driving around Chicago is awful with the toll roads and the construction going on right now. For the people who don't know what they're getting in to, it's really bad. There's no way to plan for that time.
2006-08-12 18:54:13 · answer #3 · answered by Jessica M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah, but those states with no tolls and great roads are not the norm. Ever been to Rhode Island? They don't have toll roads, but toll bridges, and their roads really suck!
But, I agree with you on your sentiment about Illinois roads. As a Native Illinoisian, I can completely sympathize. Ever think about investing in the Ipass? I hear it's used in several states, not just Illinois, so it would be good investment. It cuts the Toll charges in Half!
2006-08-11 18:11:04 · answer #4 · answered by DEATH 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I lived in Chicago for 18 years and very rarely used the toll roads. They have their purpose, which is to get the truckers to pay for the wear and tear on the roads. But I never paid tolls to drive across the state...just picked the right route to avoid it.
2006-08-13 04:49:00 · answer #5 · answered by yellow_jellybeans_rock 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Annoying, huh? My parents live in Michigan and I usually fly into Chicago O'hare and drive from there. The toll road just for that leg of the drive is about $2.50 each way...not to mention, it takes me about an extra 30-45 minutes because I have to keep stopping. How annoying!
But the state is smart in doing this, can you imagine the revenue they bring in with these tolls? SHOOT!
2006-08-11 18:10:56 · answer #6 · answered by seattlecutiepie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are always trying to fix up the other express ways, for people who live in Illinois we usually don't have to travel that far
2006-08-11 18:37:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I PASS makes it bearable - at least it usually speeds up paying the toll.
2006-08-13 13:05:55 · answer #8 · answered by GiraffeGirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
think that's bad????
welcome to "toll country usa"...pennsylvania/new jersey...
and their road systems are constantly ranked as some of the worst in the us...
2006-08-11 18:13:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We live! You gotta be rich to live in Illinois!
2006-08-12 03:09:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋