PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike just got a little more expensive, as toll increases are now in effect. However, the increase will affect some more than others.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is starting the new year with hefty increases for non-EZPass users.
Drivers who use EZPass are now paying an average of $1.60, compared to $1.50 before. Meanwhile, Toll By Plate drivers must pay $3.90 on average.
The Turnpike's Toll by Plate program allows drivers to go through the toll plaza without EZPass or cash, get the ticket in the mail later on after the high-speed cameras catch their license plate numbers.
Toll by Plate drivers can open an EZPass account and pay the lower prices at any time.
Turnpike officials said the cost difference is because the EZPass program is less costly to administer.
In May, the turnpike laid off about 500 people, mostly toll collectors.
The changes will also help pay for the $450 million due to PennDOT. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, business and school traffic has been down 70% and commercial traffic is down about 20%.