Turnpike rate increase takes effect
After taking heat over the removal of fares on toll tickets, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission reversed the decision, just before the 10 percent rate increase took effect today.
PTC’s Joe Brimmeier, chief executive officer, issued a statement last week saying staff had originally made the decision to not print fares to cut costs, estimating it could save the commission about $100,000 annually. The move might also encourage motorists to sign up for E-ZPass. Users of E-ZPass will see only a 3 percent increase in fares.
“However, we heard loud and clear from our customers that we got ahead of ourselves on the decision,” said Brimmeier, referring to objections from lawmakers and turnpike users about the decision. “So the commissioners directed us to order a new batch of toll tickets with fares shown.”
When the new rates began at 12:01 a.m. today, the commission had planned to offer motorists the option of calling an 800 number, checking the website or obtaining a fare schedule to help determine the fares at the booth.
PTC came under scrutiny, especially from state Auditor General Jack Wagner, who opposed the idea of not printing fares, claiming that having distracted drivers behind the wheel was a dangerous move. Additionally, he questioned the Turnpike’s motive in removing the fares from the ticket as a way to conceal the hike.
Wagner was also concerned about backups or slowdowns at the toll plazas as drivers and collectors determined what was due and the potential for fraud since drivers were unaware of what they were to be charged.
After weeks of pushing the commission to reconsider the change, Wagner issued a statement in response to the commission’s decision to print the fares.
“The commission made the right decision to print the new tickets and, in doing so, avoided a myriad of potential problems that could have occurred,” Wagner said. “This is a victory for those who care about transparency and open government, public safety and greater convenience for the millions of motorists who use the Pennsylvania Turnpike each year.”
Before the commission reversed the decision, new toll tickets for 2011 without fares were ordered. According to the PTC, those tickets will not be available until March or April, but until then, motorists will have the option of using the hands-free TRIP number at 866-976-8747 or visiting www.paturnpike.com to determine rates. Fare schedules will be available at ticket booths.
“We will get the new tickets with fares in toll booths as soon as humanly possible, and will have them in place well before our heavy travel season which begins on the Memorial Day weekend,” said Brimmeier.
Under the new rates, the commission said the most common toll will jump from $1 to $1.10 for cash-paying motorists and from 97 cents to $1 for those with E-ZPass.
“We encourage all of our customers to consider using E-ZPass, which allows drivers to pass through toll booths without stopping,” said Brimmeier. “And now with a 7 percent discount on tolls starting soon, travelers will have a financial incentive to sign up for E-ZPass.”
Customers can establish an automatically replenished account with a credit or debit cars for $35 from which tolls will be deducted. Those who registered for E-ZPass before today paid an initial annual fee of $3, half of the annual membership fee. People can join online at www.paturnpike.com or call 877-PENN-PASS. The tags can also be purchased at select state retailers including Acme Markets, Karns Foods, Giant Eagle and Get-Go and as some service plazas. E-ZPass can be used at all toll facilities that show the purple and white E-ZPass logo, which includes 13 other states in the northeastern United States.
Fares on the Turnpike will rise each year as part of Act 44 of 2007.
Under this law, the Turnpike provides funding, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, for non-Turnpike highway and bridge projects, such as the Mon-Fayette Expressway, in all 67 Pennsylvania counties.
In addition, the added revenue will be used for an ambitious capital program on the Turnpike itself, with investment of $4.5 billion planned over the next 10 years. Projects will include the vital reconstruction and six-lane widening projects now under way or planned throughout the 545-mile Turnpike system.