It will cost a bit more to drive on the Pennsylvania Turnpike beginning next week.
On Jan. 8, tolls will increase by 5% for both E-ZPass and Toll-By-Plate drivers. This is the 15th consecutive year that tolls have increased.
The most common passenger car toll will increase from $1.70 to $1.80 for E-ZPass drivers and from $4.10 to $4.40 for Toll-By-Plate drivers, according to the Turnpike Commission. E-ZPass drivers save nearly 60% on tolls.
In a news release, the Turnpike Commission attributed the toll increase to the need to meet funding and capital-improvement obligations.
“We recognize our customers pay a premium to travel our roadway,” Turnpike CEO Mark Compton said in the release. “We are committed to maintain and enhance our 82-year-old system to provide a smooth, safe customer experience during every season of the year and hour of the day.”
E-ZPass rates along the turnpike rank 24th out of 47 U.S. tolling agencies, according to the Turnpike Commission.
The turnpike is also cracking down on toll scofflaws. This week, a new state law went into effect that suspends the registrations of Pennsylvania vehicle owners who owe $250 or more in turnpike tolls.
The law bolsters a previous suspension threshold of $500.
