I-PASSes now are being sold at Jewel-Osco locations in Illinois in an effort to increase the pass’ usage.

“For $50, you get it in a nice box that you can put in as a stocking stuffer,” said Michelle Damico, spokeswoman for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. “Once the transponder has been purchased, just follow directions inside the box to activate it.”

The $50 price tag includes a $10 dollar refundable payment for the transponder itself and $40 of tollway usage.

The move to sell I-PASSes at Jewel-Osco was because the Illinois Department of Transportation wants to achieve a goal of 75 percent I-PASS usage among tollway users.

Currently, only 40 percent of tollway users use the I-PASS system, Damico said.

The department of transportation had asked area retailers to submit proposals to sell transponders, but Damico said Jewel was the only one that responded.

“Jewel is doing this because it has a good record of public service. They have a new campaign out, ‘Making life easier,’” Damico said.

Joe Petrone, manager at Jewel-Osco, 1320 Sycamore Road said the I-PASS was a popular item.

“People have been coming in from all over ever since it’s been advertised,” he said.

He estimated his store has sold about 300 I-PASSes so far.

About 1,300 passes were sold the first day it was available at Jewel stores.t

I-PASS also can be bought at the Web site, www.illinoistollway.com.