Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls: Lawmaker suggests use of PayPal, Venmo as payment methods

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Pennsylvania lawmaker is suggesting payment apps like Venmo, PayPal and Cash App to pay Turnpike tolls.

The new method would be in addition to current Toll By Plate and E-ZPass options.

“I think that would make life easy,” said driver Sabrina Sanderson.

Driver James Bennett isn’t sold on the plan.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. I mean, they need to pay the tolls when they’re on the tolls,” he said.

Democratic State Sen. Marty Flynn, of Scranton, issued a memo ahead of officially introducing this new legislation.

He said he’s frustrated with the Turnpike Commission’s toll by plate billing, which was put into place in 2020 as toll takers were phased out.

That led to more than $104 million in uncollected tolls.

Some drivers believe paying tolls by mail is a hassle.

“Making easy payments would solve a lot of long hours,” Sanderson said.

This new proposal aimed at easing frustration and providing options for drivers comes as Turnpike travelers saw toll prices rise by 5% at the start of the new year.

“The prices are steady going up and they don’t do anything for the roads,” said Bennett. “Some of the places don’t do anything for the roads.”

It’s still unclear when Flynn plans to officially introduce the legislation or how it will be received by other lawmakers.

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