Categories: World

‘Everything is going up’: Local drivers express displeasure at Pennslyvania Turnpike toll increase

Starting at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, drivers using the Pennsylvania Turnpike started paying more at the tolls.

“What else is new? Everything is going up in the world,” said Mark Godfrey of Penn Hills.

“Right now with all the price increases people are struggling to get by. So probably just what we don’t need are more rate increases,” said Joe Robin, of Penn Hills.

Last summer, the commission approved a 5% increase for E-ZPass and Toll by Plate customers. The most common toll for a passenger vehicle increases by 10-30 cents, depending on whether the driver uses an E-ZPass or not. Commission officials say the best way to save is to invest in an E-ZPass, which can save drivers up to 60%.

RELATED COVERAGE >> Pennsylvania Turnpike 5% toll increase will go into effect this week

Those rates are only expected to increase through at least 2051.

“All the prices are going crazy, people won’t be able to afford anything soon so hopefully we’ll get a break sometime,” Robin said.

The Turnpike Commission is obligated to pay the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation $450 million every year to pay for non-turnpike transportation needs around the state — totaling $8 billion since 2008.

They say the best way to save is to invest in an E-ZPass, which can save drivers up to 60%.

Although displeased, drivers Channel 11 spoke to said all you can do is accept it.

“What can you do about it? You gotta deal with it and move on with life,” Godfrey said.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Missing 17-year-old girl with Down syndrome found safe in Downtown Pittsburgh, police say Pittsburgh Weekend Winter Storm: How much snow we could see and latest timing Pickup truck splits in half after crash in Pleasant Hills, 1 person injured VIDEO: Volunteer who found missing girl with Down syndrome in Pittsburgh shares details on the search DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts

Share

Recent Posts

Survivor of Nova music festival Hamas terror attack wins slot to represent Israel at Eurovision

close Video Israelis rejoice after three hostages are released from Gaza Fox News senior correspondent…

34 minutes ago

Hughes Fire: California Air National Guard releases video showing cockpit view of plane fighting the blaze

close Video Cockpit video captures California Air National Guard fighting Hughes Fire A C-130J Super…

44 minutes ago

Schumer supports Democrats delaying all Trump nominees who lack unanimous support

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he supports the delay of all of President…

54 minutes ago

Hegseth clears Senate hurdle and advances to a final confirmation vote

Pete Hegseth cleared a procedural hurdle Thursday for a final Senate vote to advance his…

54 minutes ago

Top trade association sends letters calling on big changes in three key departments: ‘Unleash American energy’

FIRST ON FOX: A top national trade organization has sent letters to three departments in…

54 minutes ago

Former VP Harris reportedly asking Hillary Clinton for advice on what to do after losing to Trump

Former Vice President Kamala Harris’ future remains unclear months after her election loss to now-President…

54 minutes ago