WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. A new turnpike section opened Friday in Pennsylvania, helping to ease congestion on major routes, such as Interstate 79. Known as
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“This balanced approach allows us to maintain a lower rate for those choosing a payment method that is less costly to administer, while those who choose a pricier payment option absorb those costs,” Mark Compton, the commission’s chief executive officer, said in a statement this week.
Such drivers previously paid the same rate as cash users, but cash payments were suspended amid the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to reduce contact between drivers and toll workers. The commission decided in May to keep the cashless system and laid off about 500 people, mostly toll collectors.
Six toll locations won’t see the 45% jump as they served as cashless system pilots and the increases were already in place: Delaware River Bridge at the New Jersey border, Gateway Toll Plaza at the Ohio border, Beaver Valley Expressway on I-376, Greensburg Bypass, Findlay Connector, and Clarks Summit on I-476/Northeastern Extension.
Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls are going up starting Sunday.Rates will increase 6% for E-ZPass and toll by plate drivers. There is also an additional 45% hike for toll by plate.The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said the new toll by plate rate offsets the higher costs of collecting payment. Bills are sent to the registered owner of a vehicle after cameras capture the license plate.“This balanced approach allows us to maintain a lower rate for those choosing a payment method that is less costly to administer, while those who choose a pricier payment option absorb those costs, said Mark Compton, the commission’s chief executive officer.The most common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase from $1.50 to $1.60 for E-ZPass customers, according to the commission.For drivers who choose toll by plate, the average cost will increase from $2.50 to $3.90.A toll calculator is available at the Turnpike website.The following locations won t see the 45% jump for toll by plate:Beaver V