From the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE:
…The toll increase that took effect last January — 10 percent for cash customers and 3 percent for E-ZPass — made the Pennsylvania Turnpike the nation’s most expensive long toll road per mile. But it will lose that status on Sunday, when the New Jersey Turnpike implements a 53 percent toll increase…
Pennsylvania Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo cited two main factors driving up tolls. The turnpike is legally obligated to give $450 million a year to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, $200 million of which finances non-turnpike road projects and $250 million that goes to mass transit.
There’s also the turnpike’s advanced age — it turns 72 this year. “The turnpike is 15 years older, at least, than the other interstates in Pennsylvania,” Mr. DeFebo said. “We’re investing a bit more in our own system.” This year, the turnpike expects to spend $456 million on construction and upgrades…
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