In January, tolls on most of Pennsylvania toll roads will increase 3 percent for E-ZPass customers and 10 percent for cash payers.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said the hikes are expected to generate $35 million annually in new revenues. When the new rates start Jan. 2, it will be the first time E-ZPass users will pay less than cash customers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike since electronic toll-collection began in the state a decade ago.
The rates on the Findlay Connector/Toll I-576 near Pittsburgh International Airport will remain at the current level.
Starting last year, commissioners have increased tolls annually after the Legislature passed Act 44 in 2007. This act and the funding agreement with the Pennnsylvania Department of Transportation require commissioners to adjust toll rates to meet financial obligations. So far, the Turnpike has provided $2.5 billion in supplemental funding to PennDOT. In turn, the Turnpike must pay PennDOT $450 million annually over the remaining 47-year term of this agreement despite the federal rejection of the state’s I-80 tolling proposal.
An online toll schedule will be available this fall at www.paturnpike.com.
