Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls are increasing five percent for all E-ZPass and toll-by-plate users starting January 7, 2024. 

According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), the most common toll for a Class-5 tractor trailer will increase from $14.40 to $15.20 for E-ZPass and from $29.40 to $30.90 for toll-by-plate. 

The PTC says they are forced to raise rates annually due to the financial burden brought on from Act 44 of 2007.

That legislation called for tolling Interstate 80 and using the proceeds to fund repairs to highways and bridges and provide funding for mass transit statewide, particularly systems in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) would transfer ownership of I-80 to the Turnpike Commission, which would collect road tolls and remit the money to PennDOT.

But the plan fell apart. Before the federal government could accept or reject the transfer of I-80, the Turnpike Commission assumed ownership. Act 44 then required the PTC to begin payments to PennDOT. The first three, beginning in 2008, were $750 million, $850 million and $900 million, respectively.

The federal government denied the request to toll I-80, but the PTC was still obligated to make the payments.

Under Act 44, after three payments, the amount dropped to $450 million per year through 2057.

Act 89 of 2013 changed the $450 million annual payment to $50 million. It will remain at that level until 2057. 

Because of these payments to PennDOT required by the PTC, the turnpike is in billions and billions dollars of debt.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is required to increase tolls annually through at least 2053.

2024’s five percent increase is consistent with the Commission’s planned, multi-year reduction in annual increase rates. The PTC’s goal is to get to a three percent increase in 2028.

According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the most common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase from $1.80 to $1.90 for E-ZPass customers and from $4.40 to $4.70 for toll-by-plate.

For a toll calculator, or to learn more about the PA Turnpike, click here.