The Pennsylvania Turnpike ushered in a new era Sunday with the activation of its Open Road Tolling (ORT) system and a 5 percent toll increase.
Turnpike officials flicked on the ORT system, which spans from Lower Bucks County to Reading and along the Northeast Extension, just after midnight.
The system utilizes overhead gantries that capture E-ZPass transponders or license plate images and eliminates the need for vehicles to stop or slow down at toll booths.
PennDOT Secretary and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Chair Mike Carroll remarked on the significance of the change.
“The launch of Open Road Tolling is perhaps the most significant change since the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1940 as ‘America’s First Superhighway’ and continues our legacy as a national leader in transportation,” said Carroll. “The future is now as we bring a safer and more efficient way for motorists to commute, safely transport freight and explore ‘The Great American Getaway’ that is our commonwealth.”
The total investment in the ORT project will exceed $600 million over nearly two decades of planning, design, and infrastructure updates.
ORT will enable the addition of new access points at significantly reduced costs and the removal of toll plazas in eastern sections starting this year, officials said.
The new tolling system allows for more efficient traffic flow and lower operational costs. It is expected to save the commission at least $25 million annually in future maintenance and operating expenses once fully implemented by January 2027.
“For the past 15-years our team has been working tirelessly to make ORT a reality to further meet customers’ expectations for safe, convenient, and seamless travel,” said Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Mark Compton.
Despite the toll hike, officials noted that approximately 84 percent of E-ZPass users and 74 percent of Toll-By-Plate customers would experience only minimal increases or even reductions in toll fees. The change is due to the shift from a weight-based to an axle and height classification under Automated Vehicle Classification (AVC).
Officials urge drivers to ensure their E-ZPass transponders are mounted correctly, register for Toll By Plate if they do not have E-ZPass, or open an E-ZPass account to optimize savings on tolls.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission anticipates that the shift to a consistent per-mile rate and the AVC changes will not generate additional revenue beyond the planned 5 percent increase.
Toll hikes are expected on the Turnpike for years to come as Act 44 requires money from the system to pay for state transportation costs.
Advertisement
12 Days of Canna Cheer
