PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Thousands of drivers are now eligible for toll-free trips through the Downtown and Midtown tunnels, and one of Virginia’s top lawmakers is encouraging residents, more than ever, to take advantage of the offer.

Speaker of the House Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) worked along with State Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) to secure $101 million in the state’s two-year budget for relief at the tunnels that cross under the Elizabeth River between Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Residents of Portsmouth, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton and Franklin can now receive up to 14 free trips per week if they make less than $50,000 a year.

This is on top of an offer to receive a 50% discount on the tolls, which is available to residents of all 16 localities that make up Hampton Roads. In that case, a person must make less than $65,000.

The process to achieve relief is the same for both. Drivers must have an E-ZPass and sign up in person at one of the three E-ZPass service centers: the Norfolk E-ZPass Customer Service Center off Church Street; the Portsmouth E-ZPass Customer Service Center off Victory Boulevard; or the the DriveERT Customer Care Center in Portsmouth.

Scott said it’s vital people sign up, as it will be the only way lawmakers can try to obtain more relief down the road.

“Folks complain to me every time I see them about the tolls,” Scott said. “And I’ve been up here in Richmond complaining about the tolls. And so then, when we get toll relief, they’re going to think we’ve cried wolf if people don’t come and take advantage of it.”

What to bring to an E-ZPass Customer Service Center

Proof of income and residency must be presented to obtain the toll relief, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

One of the following is required for proof of residency:

  • Driver’s license
  • Utility/telephone/cable bill
  • Checking/savings account statement
  • Property tax bill
  • Mortgage — proof of ownership
  • Rental contract
  • Military documentation confirming city of residence

One of the following is required for proof of income:

  • Social Security statement
  • W-2
  • 1099-Misc
  • One month of pay stubs
  • IRS 1040
  • Notarized employer’s statement
  • Self-declaration of no income

Norfolk E-ZPass Customer Service Center
1701 Church St.
Norfolk, Va. 23504
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Portsmouth E-ZPass Customer Service Center
4010 Victory Blvd.
Portsmouth, Va. 23701
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

DriveERT Customer Care Center
309 County Street
Portsmouth, Va. 23704
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.