TRACY AGNEW/NEWS EDITOR
tracy.agnew@suffolknewsherald.com

SUFFOLK—Motorists will be able to buy E-ZPasses at three locations in Suffolk beginning Tuesday.

The transponders will be sold at the Suffolk Visitor Center, 524 N. Main St., and at both treasurer’s offices, at 441 Market St. and 2000 Bennetts Creek Park Road.

“What we wanted to do is make sure we’re offering services to make it easy for our citizens,” spokesman Tim Kelley said.

Tolling begins at the Midtown and Downtown tunnels between Norfolk and Portsmouth on Feb. 1. Toll rates through the end of the year will be 75 cents during off-peak hours and $1 during peak hours.

The E-ZPass On-the-Go system allows motorists to pick up their transponders for $35, all of which eventually goes toward tolls. The transponder can be used right away with a $15 toll credit, and the additional $20 is available when the transponder is registered online at www.EZPassVA.com or by telephone at 877-762-7824.

The transponders can be purchased with cash, check or credit card.

Kelley said the new program offers more convenience.

“You can just walk in and get it,” he said. “We’re offering the service in the central core as well as North Suffolk.”

Motorists without an E-ZPass will be charged more to pay by their license plate.