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Turnpike toll increases not sitting well with drivers

PITTSBURGH — New toll rates go into effect on the Pennsylvania Turnpike this weekend, but the rate hikes are not sitting well with drivers.

“It makes me really mad because I don’t have an E-ZPass and E-ZPass prices are really expensive and I don’t travel enough to get an E-ZPass. So hearing that makes me mad,” said Raven Fortson.

Fortson plans to head back to York County on Sunday. She’s now making sure she has extra money before hitting the road.

“I know my bill is going to be like $90. It’s annoying,” Fortson said.

The new Toll by Plate rates include a 6% increase as well as an additional 45% increase over the 2020 cash rate. Carl DeFebo with the turnpike commission said there are a few reasons for the increases.

“The turnpike is 80 years old. A roadway that old needs to be maintained and constant investment in a good state of repair and make sure it’s safe and effective,” DeFebo said.

He said processing is also more expensive with the Toll-By-Plate program. As part of state law, the turnpike has to pay PennDOT $450 million a year as well. DeFebo said if you want to save money, your best bet is to get an E-ZPass right now.