Monday, January 05, 2009
MTA Announces Proposal to Increase Toll Rates for Trucks and Add E-ZPass Service Charge
The Maryland Transportation Authority today proposed an increase in toll rates for large trucks and other multi-axle vehicles and the implementation of E-ZPass service charges.
“Today’s proposal helps better distribute the costs of operating our system among the
different types of vehicles that use our facilities,” said Authority Chairman and
Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. “Even with the proposed toll-rate changes and
service charges, Maryland still offers some of the most generous commuter discounts in
the country, and our truck toll rates are comparable to – and generally lower than – those
in the region. I’m pleased that we could preserve our post-usage discounts for truckers.”
Read the complete press release here (pdf).
Specifics of the proposal include:
- Effective April 15, adjusting toll rates for multi-axle vehicles, including trucks with three or more axles and vehicles towing trailers, to help ensure that costs to preserve Authority roadways are allocated proportionately; eliminating the Class 7 toll-rate schedule; and, in its place, implementing an oversize permit charge to use Authority facilities. The proposal includes a $2-$5 toll increase per trip depending on the number of axles at the Francis Scott. Key Bridge and Fort McHenry and Baltimore Harbor tunnels; a $4-$5.50 increase per trip at the Bay Bridge; a $5-$13 increase per trip at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway and Hatem Bridge; and a $3 increase per trip at the Nice Bridge. The cost for A-series commercial tickets at the Hatem Bridge would also increase proportionately.
- Effective April 15, charging $10 for an Automatic Vehicle Identification decal for the HatemBridge and placing a one-year expiration on light-trailer tickets.
- Effective July 1, implementing service charges to help recover E-ZPass processing costs, including a $1.50 monthly account maintenance charge; charging for the cost of new and replacement transponders ($21 standard, $33 exterior, $40 fusion); instituting a $3 Notice of Toll Due charge; and increasing toll violation charges from $15 to $25.
- Effective July 1, changing the duration of E-ZPass commuter plans from 60 days to 45 days.
- Eliminating commuter, Shoppers and Travelers tickets and transitioning customers to E-ZPass. As part of the transition for Bay Bridge customers, the Authority will create a Shoppers Plan for E-ZPass to offer the same percentage discount as existing tickets.
MTA is accepting public comments on the proposal through January 27. Submit your comments via email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or send them to Mr. Ronald L. Freeland, Executive Secretary, Maryland Transportation Authority, 2310 Broening Highway, Suite 150, Baltimore, MD 21224.
The Authority is expected to take final action on the proposal during its monthly meeting on January 29.
