Pa. Turnpike Tolls to Rise Jan. 5
Tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will increase Jan. 5 by 2% for those paying with E-ZPass and by 12% for those paying cash.
The annual increase means that the toll to run the 356 miles of highway that stretches across the state between Ohio and New Jersey will be $147.62 for a 5-axle truck that weighs up to 80,000 pounds and has E-ZPass. The 2013 toll rate is $144.73.
For the same size truck without E-ZPass making the same run, the cash toll rate will increase to $205.55 from $183.50.
The increase will be the fourth in as many years, and the toll hikes are slated to continue indefinitely.
Pennsylvania is among the states with a high number of deficient bridges, according to the annual bridge inventory conducted by the Federal Highway Administration.
After years of negotiating, Gov. Tom Corbett (R) and state lawmakers hammered out an agreement in late 2013 that raises the state’s oil franchise tax by lifting the $1 cap on it.
At the same time, the state shaved 12 cents off the 38.1-cent per gallon state tax on diesel purchases and off the 31.2-cent state tax on gasoline purchases.
Sheetz Inc., a Pennsylvania-based chain of fuel stations and convenience stores, recently commended Corbett and the lawmakers for reaching an agreement that Sheetz said “will provide a much needed financial source for infrastructure improvements across the commonwealth.”
The legislation, which takes effect Jan. 1, will benefit Pennsylvania motorists, Sheetz said.
