Polk County drivers who commute to Orlando and are dreading upcoming construction for the I-4 Ultimate project can now get an E-Pass transponder for free, the Central Florida Expressway Authority announced Friday.
The idea is to make it easier for commuters driving from Polk County to use an alternate route to or around I-4 during the construction via toll roads like State Road 417 or 429.
Tolls paid via E-Pass cost less than using the cash lanes, and E-Pass customers can earn discounts when they use at least 40 tolls a month on Central Florida roadways.
Transponders are already free for Orlando and Orange County residents, along with commuters from Brevard, Lake, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.
Now, Polk County residents can get a free E-Pass by signing up at EPASStoday.com or by calling (407) 823-7277.
E-Pass transponders also work on any SunPass or LeeWay toll road in Florida, as well as toll roads in Georgia and North Carolina.
Already more than 8 percent of E-Pass customers live in Polk County, the Expressway Authority said.