Members of AAA Minneapolis have always been able to take advantage of discounts at area restaurants, theaters, and of course, on travel.
Now they can get $20 in toll credits when they open a new MnPASS account.
The auto club is offering the incentive after recent surveys found that members and many Minnesotans believed that congestion is the most vexing issue on the roads, said Matt Hehl, a spokesman for AAA Minneapolis.
"This MnPASS benefit is much more than just another 'Show Your Card and Save" discount," Hehl said. "It represents AAA Minneapolis' commitment to recognizing and enhacing the quality of life of our members, and to offer products and services to simplify the lives of our members."
The offer applies to current AAA members and those who join AAA who don't already have a MnPASS account.
Having a MnPASS transponder allows solo drivers to use lanes on I-35W and I-394 that are reserved for buses, motorcycles and vehicles carrying two or more people.
MnPASS holders, of which there were about 20,000 according to MnDOT's count earlier this year, pay tolls for using the carpool lane. Transponders are affixed to their windshield. A computer located at various points long the freeways records usage and tolls are deducted from a customer's account electronically.
Tolls range from 25 cents to as high as $8 depending on traffic conditions.
