Toll Increase Takes Effect Along PA Turnpike

Travelers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will have to dig a little deeper into their wallets. As of Sunday toll rates along the 360 mile highway have increased.

John Smith of Toms River, N.J. found out the hard way. He drives the length of the turnpike eight times a year during family trips to Ohio and didn't know tolls increased today.

His $30 one way trip is now $33.90.

"It makes it harder with family in Ohio living in New jersey between that and the price of gas it makes it tough to go out and visit" he said.

Drivers using cash will encounter a 10 percent increase while those with E-Z Passes will see a 2% jump. The move into increase the utilization of the estimated 68 percent of those who use electronic toll collection.

"It's going to be more costly to travel now the reminders are the signs you continually see about every 20 miles or so" said Michael Weaver of Pittsburgh.

Truck driver Larry Reynolds from West Virginia spends $700 a day on gas and another $100 in tolls. An increase cuts directly into his profits.

"The costs go up but the profits don't go up" said Reynolds.

The increase is expected to bring in an additional $25 million in revenue that will to into general turnpike maintenance.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission estimates turnpike usage to go up slightly despite the increase.