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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2012
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Maine Turnpike Board Gives Final Approval to Raise Tolls
Maine E-ZPass Rates to Increase Only 1 cent per mile
PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Turnpike Authority Board today unanimously approved a plan to raise an additional $21.14 million in toll revenue to continue a 30-year plan to maintain and rehabilitate the Turnpike’s network of bridges, interchanges and pavement and well as pay off existing debt. The new toll plan goes into effect November 1, 2012.
The decision will raise the cash rate at mainline toll plazas in York, New Gloucester and West Gardiner. Drivers will now pay $3 instead of $2 in York, those traveling through New Gloucester will pay $2.25 cash instead of $1.75 and West Gardiner will increase from $1.25 to $1.75 in cash. Tolls for motorists traveling north from Exit 19 in Wells and south from Exit 63 in Gray will increase from $1 to $1.50 cash. Travelers entering and exiting all other side tolls and entering the Turnpike from I-295 in Gardiner will not be affected.
With the new rates - the full length cash trip from York to Augusta will increase from $5.00 to $7.00 while the most-common cash toll for a standard commercial-truck (Class 5) will rise from $20.00 to $28.00. The increase will be applied to all vehicle classes. Even after a toll adjustment the Turnpike will remain among the lowest priced toll roads in the U.S.
Turnpike Director Peter Mills said by raising Maine E-ZPass rates only 1 cent per mile, the Turnpike Board is easing the economic impact of a toll increase. "Many Maine residents already use E-ZPass and will not be affected by cash toll increases," he explained. "Paying tolls electronically with a Maine E-ZPass remains the most affordable and equitable option for Maine Turnpike users." The Board also urged Turnpike staff to focus on expanding E-ZPass use. "We soon plan to make E-ZPass even easier to get,” said Mills.
Besides Maine, E-ZPass can be used in 14 other states - including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. To sign up for E-ZPass, visit the Maine Turnpike headquarters located off the Portland Jetport (Exit 46), visit MaineTurnpike.com or call toll free 1-888-MTA-PASS (1-888-682-7277).
About the Maine Turnpike Authority
The Maine Turnpike opened in 1947 and was the second toll road built in the United States. It operates independently from the Maine Department of Transportation. The MTA received $101 million from tolls in 2011 and is anticipating the same in 2012. Tolls are the only source of revenue used by the Maine Turnpike Authority to maintain and operate the Turnpike as well as pay back bondholders who loan private capital to finance major reconstruction projects. No federal or state tax dollars have ever been used by the Maine Turnpike. The MTA is responsible for over 500 lane-miles of highway from Kittery to Augusta, 177 bridges, 19 interchanges, 19 toll plazas, Maine State Police Troop G, 5 service areas and 9 maintenance facilities.